The plagues were divinely architected in a sequence intended to achieve God's objective: the liberation of Israel. But this fact doesn't minimize the pain people suffered as a result. We can sympathize and hope at the same time, mourning with those that mourn even as we hope with those who have reason to hope.
Bitter
Disciples of Christ absorb bitterness. Imagine the impact as people experience suffering without passing it along and without letting it define them! Like the maror in the Seder service preceding the Paschal lamb, our suffering can turn our hearts to Christ, who can replace the bitterness with exquisite joy.
Unimaginable
Trusting God includes believing that our setbacks and disappointments are part of His plan for us and are actually propelling us forward. Joseph was a slave and a prisoner for thirteen years, but those difficult experiences refined him and prepared him for an extraordinary opportunity.
How to Endure Well
God told Joseph Smith that if he endured well, he would be exalted. Enduring well includes (1) doing what we can within our constraints, (2) learning from the experience, (3) continuing to fulfill our duties and move toward eternal goals, (4) trusting God's timetable, and (5) being patient.
A More Exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory
God's promised rewards are both greater (more exceeding) and longer-lasting (eternal) than our current sufferings. While it's hard to maintain perspective during difficult experiences, we can remember the faith of Ammon and his brothers, who found extraordinary joy after enduring significant suffering.
After Much Tribulation…
In 1831, the Lord promised church members in Missouri, "After much tribulation come the blessings." President Henry B. Eyring explained that this is partly because we change as we endure afflictions faithfully. The Lord uses difficult experiences to polish us and help us achieve our full potential.
The Voice of Thunderings
Adversity is an invitation from God. Calamities and trials may be His call to repent and turn our hearts to Him. Rather than ask, “Why me?” we might ask, “What can I learn from this experience?” If we listen with humility, we may hear His voice even in the "thunderings" of our lives.
Everlasting Kindness
A sign commonly seen at a marathon says, "Pain is temporary; race results are online forever." Isaiah shared a similar sentiment with the children of Israel, saying that their pain was "a small moment," but that God's kindness would be everlasting.
The Immediate Goodness of God
Both Limhi and Alma learned by experience that God can deliver us from the challenges we face. They also learned that that He will provide immediate blessings and strength to help us endure the challenge until the deliverance comes.
Captivity and Deliverance: Limhi and Alma
Both Alma's and Limhi's people fell captive to the Lamanites and were both delivered by God. From their examples, we can learn to pray humbly, to recognize the blessings God provides immediately, and to look forward to the deliverance He will provide.