1.  Some purposes of suffering:

-to strengthen our faith, James 1:2

-to demonstrate that our faith is genuine, 1 Peter 1:6,7

-to remind us of eternity and of our dependence upon God

-to make us more human, more vulnerable and compassionate toward others

-to spread the gospel

-to show that Satan’s worst won’t stop God

-to unite us with Christ, identifying with Him, growing in intimacy with Him

2.  How to deal with our suffering?

-know that God will use it for good, Romans 8:28

-seek good uses, seek to glorify God and draw unbelievers to Christ, learn compassion for others, learn to depend upon God and grow in faith

-get support, through prayer and Bible reading, through fellowship with other believers

-don’t rationalize; don’t make up reasons why God allowed the suffering

-focus on good; be thankful for the good people and things in your life; praise God for them

(credit for the above to: A Compact Guide to the Christian Life by K.C. Hinckley)

3.  Scripture to meditate on in the midst of trials: Isaiah 26:3; 41:10; 43:1-3; 43:5; Psalm 31:14-15a