Originally posted on Facebook on Monday, May 19, 2025.
I recently learned that Charles Spurgeon wrestled his entire life with depression. I find a quote from him on how he navigated his suffering deeply helpful,
“It would be a very sharp and trying experience to me to think that I have an affliction which God never sent me, that the bitter cup was never filled by His hand, that my trials were never measured out by Him, nor sent to me by His arrangement of their weight and quantity.”
It makes Paul's thorn in the flesh all the more real to me.
The Apostle Paul writes,
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me."
– 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
What is fascinating to me is that Paul attributes the thorn to Satan but appeals to God for its removal.
In doing so he acknowledges the sovereignty of God—that God is in control in every circumstance. But more than that, he trusts Him.
Why?
Because of God's purpose.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
— Romans 8:28
This even applies to things done to me by others with malicious intent:
"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."
– Genesis 50:20
God's purpose is God:
God with us. God in us. God through us. God all in all.
And, that's good.
So whatever I face, I can be confident: God is in control, He is working it together for good, and that good is having more of Him.
But, sometimes it's really hard and I don't want that bitter cup.
Our Lord knows all about that and cried out, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me…" —Matthew 26:39
The Apostle Paul, too, knows that difficulty and pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from him. (2 Corinthians 12:8)
But God responds, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Corinthians 12:9
So, like Spurgeon, Paul and our Lord Jesus, I conclude,
"Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." —2 Corinthians 12:9
"Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." —Matthew 26:39
Because, Your will is good.
God's purpose is God:
God with us. God in us. God through us. God all in all.
May everything I am and have—including my suffering—result in more of You.
#MySureHopeInSuffering #perfectourlove #depression #suffering #GodsSovereignty #hope