Suffering

Suffering,

whether physical pain or emotional stress,

Is a great Teacher -

It teaches us lessons about ourselves;

Our strengths and weaknesses;

And it teaches us about our needs -

Our need for God and His help;

Through which we learn endurance,

Develop character;

And through experience, hope.

Suffering teaches us about God,

His love and His power

Which enable us to survive

And even triumph over suffering

With joy!

Honoria A. Groves

May 9th, 2000

(Romans 5:3-5)