“I take pleasure in…distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Corinthians 12:10.  Tragedy can either drag us down into the valley of paralyzing despondency or lift us up to the mountain-top of triumph.  Some people are so crushed by grief or disappointment that they become spiritual casualties.  They no longer attend church faithfully. They show little interest in the Word of God. They may not express bitterness openly, but their actions betray the true feelings of their hearts.  Others, however, react in precisely the opposite manner.  The apostle Paul could have thrown in the towel when afflicted with his “thorn in the flesh.” But he didn’t.  He accepted it as part of God’s plan and relied more fully upon Him.  The difficulties of life are intended to make us better – not bitter.