My biological father died in a car accident when I was four years old. That traumatic event caused me for many years to expect tragedy to strike at any moment. Even now I often live “waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

But God challenges that mindset in me, and He challenges it in you, too. His Word says that suffering is not chaotic, but is ordained by Him. The trials we experience are not limitless; they have boundaries set by our Father. Look at Job’s life. God permitted His suffering, but Satan could do only what God allowed.

Knowing that God is in control, however, is only comforting if you also know that He is for you. You can know He is because of Jesus who suffered and willingly bore condemnation in your place. His great pain was ordained for your deliverance. And His Father set limits—on the third day, Jesus rose again.

Your God-ordained suffering has a purpose that He has planned. It also has limits. He will not allow you to go through more than what is ultimately for your good and His glory. You can trust Him now.