Like the great apostle Paul wrote:
“-Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
I, too have a thorn. Depression. I have also pleaded with the God to remove it. The Lord has delivered me from everything just about, but this, He has chosen to leave. When I read this scripture I finally understood why I have suffered my whole life with this…Not because He is a cruel God, but so that He can constantly work in me. So that I would not stray too far away and not rely on Him. Only God knows where I would be had He decided that He would deliver me of this also. Like Paul, he chose to boost about this because He wanted people to see what God was capable of doing in those who loved the Lord. It’s really a blessing in disguise because when I feel the darkest, I can see the light shining through. Finally, I am able to with stand the storms that rage within my soul. Sure this tournaments me, but it brings me back to where I need to be. At God’s feet resting in His peace. The peace only He gives.
For all those like Paul who have prayed for their thorn to be removed, just know that sometimes we have things given to us because it does exactly what it’s intended to do. Bring you right back to where it all started… relying on the Lord to pull you through.
Cynthia M. Benavides 