Satan is nasty. All the time; consistently. He destroys. He mocks. He accuses. And I don't mean in a Bart Simpson endearing way.

But did you ever stop to think that he pesters God, too? Did you realize that he constantly attempts to convince the Creator that no one really loves Him? Read the first couple chapters of Job and you get to view behind the scenes about what really goes on and it's not pretty. He keeps attempting to inform God that people only show their love and obedience based on goodies. You know, God, the cosmic Pez dispenser. Take away the candy and ... presto, the faithful followers disappear. At least that is what Satan says.

So God allows suffering.

And you and I may or may not get the full jist of what is going on, but somehow, in some small way, I imagine that God says: See! See! There is a person that does love me, even when the bottom drops out. Even if rewards are not imminent. See!

God does care about your plight. He is broken hearted about man's condition. I read recently where this was recorded: Jesus saw the multitudes and he was moved to compassion - he saw them as beaten, broken and forsaken, as sheep without a shepherd.

My tears are not in vain. Yours are not in vain. It gives God the opportunity to tell Satan that he has no clue; someone really does love Him. And nothing can seperate us from Him. Nothing will drive a wedge between God and His child. Not even Satan.