From the net

NINE MAXIMS OF SUFFERING

1.  Suffering is not God's desire for us, but occurs in the process of
life.

2.  Suffering is not given in order to teach us something, but through it
we learn.

3.  Suffering is not given to punish us, but is sometimes the consequence
of poor judgement.

4.  Suffering is not given to us to teach others something, but through it
they may learn.

5.  Suffering does not occur because our faith is weak, but through it our
faith may be strengthened.

6.  God does not depend on human suffering to achieve God's purposes, but
through it God's purposes are sometimes achieved.

7.  Suffering is not always to be avoided at all costs, but is sometimes
chosen.

8.  Suffering can either destroy us or add meaning to our life.

9.  The will of God has more to do with how we respond to life than with
how life deals with us.

--by Cornel Rempel, hospital chaplain