Suffering

Romans 8:35
Isaiah 49:14-16
Psalm 27:7-10

I've often heard people wonder how God could possibly be loving and yet allow individuals to experience so much suffering. What intrigues me is how often that sentiment is expressed by someone outside of the situation rather than those actually experiencing it. Perhaps it's just that those in the midst of the trial are simply focused on coping mechanisms and don't have any energy left to philosophize about whether the suffering is "too much" or not. One way to cope though in the midst of the suffering is to remember that God is holding you in His hand. He has not forgotten or abandoned you. You are not outside of His protection. Just as I cannot imagine forsaking my children, the Lord does not forsake us. Even when the particular trial is beyond anything you've ever experienced before, God is by your side sustaining you through it.