You asked

how do we discern if a struggle is a 'messenger of satan' or simply a natural difficulty?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Concerning this thing, I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, defending his apostleship against critics. He has just shared about extraordinary spiritual experiences, including visions and revelations. To prevent him from becoming arrogant because of these experiences, he describes a persistent struggle he calls a 'thorn in the flesh.'

What might it mean to acknowledge a struggle's difficulty while also seeking to understand its purpose or how one might respond to it?

Then — the setting

Paul likely wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia around 55-56 CE. The letter addresses deep divisions and challenges to his authority within the Corinthian church. His 'thorn in the flesh' is never explicitly identified, leading to centuries of speculation about its nature—ranging from physical illness (e.g., eye trouble, epilepsy, malaria) to persistent opposition from specific individuals or spiritual attacks. For Paul, the 'messenger of Satan' is not just a problem, but something divinely allowed, even 'given,' to keep him humble amidst extraordinary spiritual experiences. This reflects an ancient worldview where spiritual forces were understood to directly impact human lives and physical realities, rather than solely metaphorical or internal struggles.

Across the Testaments

In the Old Testament, suffering is often seen as a consequence of sin (e.g., Deuteronomy 28) or a test of faith (e.g., Job). While Satan is introduced as an accuser in Job, direct physical affliction attributed to a 'messenger of Satan' is less common than in the New Testament. The New Testament, particularly in Jesus' ministry and Paul's letters, shows a heightened awareness of spiritual forces at play in the world, with Jesus directly confronting demons and Paul speaking of spiritual warfare. This passage in 2 Corinthians bridges these ideas: while suffering is part of the human condition, Paul frames some specific struggles as orchestrated by opposing spiritual forces, yet ultimately under divine control and for a divine purpose.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Job 2:7
This passage describes Satan afflicting Job with painful sores, demonstrating a clear instance of suffering attributed to a 'messenger of Satan'.
Romans 8:28
This verse suggests that God can work all things, including difficult situations, for good for those who love him, offering a perspective on the purpose of struggle.
James 1:2-4
This passage encourages considering trials as opportunities for joy, as they can produce endurance and build character, pointing to the transformative potential of 'natural' difficulties.

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