Sometimes the Lord sends suffering in order to cure an inward corruption.
The sorrow that suffering produces serves as medicine to dissolve the rage or pride or some other wickedness that dwells in the hardened heart.
It softens the heart and produces compassion within.
In God’s hands suffering is the chisel by which he carves a beautiful saint out of plain marble.
We often blame God for our sufferings, not knowing that by means of the pain he is actually healing our souls and creating a work of art.