10 God's providence is mysteriously, inexorably bound up with evil. 12 Holiness, which would not be possible were it not for Christ's redemptive suffering, is derived from patient endurance of pain and suffering. Thanks to Christ's redemptive work we are now able to imitate the suffering Christ and cooperate in our own salvation. To suffer means to carry a cross. It is some trial or pain endured whose efficient cause is the fall of Adam.
Every cross is tailor-made.
Given each individual's unique weaknesses, strengths, state in life, and complexity of circumstances, no two people experience the same trial in the same way, manifesting God's rich involvement in our lives. Pain and suffering are uncharted territory. Until we actually experience the trial, which is usually unexpected, we cannot know how we are going to respond, nor can we know how long the trial will endure. That is why a deep understanding of pain, suffering and the providence of God is necessary even perhaps for one's salvation. The pleasure principle dictates on a natural level our continuous, on-going orientation.