Suffering most often is viewed as a negative thing, and it is without Christ. As Christians, our suffering can ultimately bring glory to God. There are many who have suffered before us in similar ways. We are not alone. Just as a weightlifter needs a spotter, God has given us fellow Christians to help us through our sufferings. In many cases, the degree in which you suffer is related to how you handle the situation which caused you to suffer. It was once stated, "The Christian life is a banquet because God has invited us to the table of salvation, but it's not a picnic."