Every bitter cup

(John Bunyan)

"My times are in Your hand." Psalm 31:15 

Afflictions are governed by God, both as to . . .
  their time,
  their number,
  their nature,
  their measure.

Our times, therefore, and our condition
in these times, are in the hand of God.

God is in all providences, be they . . .
  ever so bitter,
  ever so afflicting,
  ever so smarting,
  ever so destructive
to our earthly comforts.

Every bitter cup is of His preparing!

It is Jesus, your best friend who most dearly
loves you, who appoints all providences, orders
them all, overrules, moderates, and sanctifies
them all--and will sweeten them all--and in His
due time will make them profitable unto you,
that you shall one day have cause to praise
and bless His name for them all.

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He
 scourges every son whom He receives." Heb. 12:6