My oldest daughter has come to the age where she starting to see and comprehend the injustice and pain in the world. She is starting to notice that evil sometimes seems to win while the good, the pure, and the innocent can suffer horribly at their hands. She is starting to search her soul and ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Like all of us, she'll have to ponder and grapple with that question for the rest of her life. She'll have to question her faith and petition the Lord. And like us, just when she thinks she has it figured out, she'll discover that she has barely scratched the surface of the complexity.

As you encounter dark and difficult days, try to remember that God does not ask for a moment more of suffering than is necessary. Try to remember that we all signed up for this mortal experience voluntarily (I know, what were we thinking?!). Try to remember that often you don't see God's guidance and direction until after you've crossed through deep water of affliction. Some future day, you'll look back and understand His plan. You may even find yourself grateful for the heartache, grateful for the pain, and grateful for the growth.