Like most people, I don't like to suffer. Unfortunately because of the deadly consequences sin, pain is the normal lot for human beings on planet earth. I am glad, though, that there is a Good God who is closely supervising this whole mess, placing limits on my trials and troubles:
"And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Mostly we have to take this verse by faith, because from our limited perspectives, our sufferings are usually FAR MORE than we can bear! I will testify, though, that even though I have passed through some dreadful sufferings of my own, and even though I felt pressed beyond measure many times, God has proven to be faithful, and so far I have managed to survive all my troubles. In fact, as I look back over my past struggles, I am totally amazed to find that I am currently not only standing, but prospering! How did that happen? It is because God put a limit on the intensity and duration of my troubles, and He extended a supernatural way of escape from each and every one. May His name be praised!
Remember, though, that this promise only applies to Christians --Pagans do not have this assurance from God. Because God is merciful, He spares even the rebellious from enduring the full harvest of all the sins that they sow, and God often places strong limits on how much satan can harm even wicked humans. So if you are a Pagan, you can head out on your own and take your chances, but for Christians, we have the wonderful assurance that our God is in charge, bringing good out of bad, turning curses into blessings, and even causing us to prosper in the midst of many troubles:
"This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles." Psalm 34:6
A good example of this can be seen in Joseph, who endured many awful things, including betrayal by his brothers, being sold into slavery, and being thrown in jail because of a false accusation against him. However, as we read earlier, God was constantly at work in his life to bring great good out of all his tragedies and setbacks. In the middle of Joseph's life all of God's goodness came bursting forth, causing Joseph to speak this most wonderful praise:
"God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." Genesis 41:52
I would rather have no suffering at all in my life, but since I must, then at least I am glad that a Good God is watching closely everything that happens to me; that he sets strict and severe limits upon the amount of suffering that I must endure; that he uses all my hardships to work in me the glorious benefits of a strong and holy character; that he uses my pain and anguish to stir me to compassion to help and benefits others; and that always pays me back "exceedingly abundantly above what I can ask or think." Ephesians 3:20
