on Suffering

Exposing sin was more important to God than relieving human suffering.
(p.82)

God permits what he hates to achieve what he loves. (p.85)

God uses suffering to purge sin from our lives, strengthen our committment to him, force us to depend on grace, bind us together with other believers, produce discernment, foster sensitivity, discipline our minds, spend out time wisely, stretch our hope, cause us to know Christ better, make us long for truth, lead us to repentence of sin, teach us to give thanks in times of sorrow, increase our faith, and strengthen character. (p. 117)

Joni Erickson Tada. WHEN GOD WEEPS.