any faith that leaves us unprepared for suffering is a false faith that deserves to be abandoned. Genuine

The Bible indicates that God will not permit anything to happen that he can't use to bring ultimate good to his people and to glorify himself. That's his promise. Therefore, even the most terrible evil his children endure would not be pointless.

The first escape route in the problem of evil is propounded by those who protest that God cannot exist because there is too much evil evident in life. They see no logical contradiction within their system since they do not have to prove that evil coexists with a good Creator. Evil exists; therefore, the Creator does not. That is categorically stated. But

suffering," he said, "is mortality itself, which is the prime condition of life.

The absence of pain means death, so when something no longer bothers you, you've died to that thing.

No matter what you're going through there's no pit so deep that God can't reach in and get you out.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. Isaiah 43:2

However, in order to have a positive testimony, it is necessary to have successfully overcome some hardship or opposition. The painful part is what we must go through while we are being tempted and tested; the glorious part comes after we have finished going through the trial and can then testify of the great victory and God's great faithfulness. We have no testimony without a test.

Think about the times God has been there for you, times He has rescued you, times He has provided for you, and times He has shown you His love to be reminded that He is faithful.

You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. . . . You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

I am the man, I suffer'd, I was there.