Programs, systems and methods sit well in the ivory towers of monasteries or in the wooden arms of icons. Head knowledge comes from the pages of a theology text. But the invitation to know God - truly know Him - is always an invitation to suffer. Not to suffer alone, but to suffer with Him.

God doesn't just give us grace; He gives us Jesus, the Lord of grace.

Suffering provides the gym equipment on which my faith can be exercised.

What an encouragement to realize that God has reserved you and me for a special task in His great work. In His hands we're not only useful, but priceless.

He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace.

My longings are best met when, in prayer, I simply let my heart beat in time with the Lord's.

In the Christian faith, God really puts suffering front and center. He doesn't get squeamish about it.