Bittersweet

How suffering is used by God ultimately for good

30 Apr 2026

Andrew Laird

Bittersweet

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Susan Cain is the author of the hugely popular book Quiet

A book about introversion which has sold over four million copies since its release ten years ago

Her latest book Bittersweet is also racing off the shelves

Cain’s argument is that rather than being avoided, it’s the pains and difficulties of life which enrich us and make us whole

As a Christian I believe there is much truth in this

The Bible repeatedly teaches how suffering is used by God ultimately for good

The greatest example of this?

The death of Jesus which provided life to all those who believe

But believing bittersweet moments are ultimately good for us isn’t enough

We need hope and a guarantee they will work out for our good

And that’s something only God promises

About Andrew Laird

Andrew works for Third Space in Canberra and directs Life@Work – an initiative aimed at connecting Christian faith with daily work. In his years working as a journalist, then mentor and spiritual advisor to working professionals, Andrew Laird has seen first-hand the challenges many face in bringing their ‘whole selves’ to work. He’s the author of and Under Pressure.