Think back to the most difficult times of your life. You may say, Jon, why would I do that when I want to put my past in the past? I do not mean to lance any old wounds, but I want you to think about what God has produced in and through you during that suffering. Do you have greater faith in Him? Do you have more perseverance? More empathy for your fellow sufferers? Did you grow through suffering and oppression? I bet you did. Sure, suffering in itself does not guarantee growth, but turning to God in our pain does. This is what we will discover as we study Exodus 1. See you Sunday and expect God to show His care and power in your life!