How do we know that God exercises sovereignty in our suffering?

The doctrine of God's sovereignty assures us that He is in control and has a purpose for our suffering. Romans 8:28 reminds us that 'we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,' indicating that God uses suffering to advance His purposes in our lives. Furthermore, Jesus, who was a 'man of sorrows' (Isaiah 53:3), models this aspect of God's character, illustrating that suffering is not without significance but rather plays a critical role in spiritual growth. Through afflictions, believers are not only drawn closer to God but also refined in their faith, demonstrating the reality of His grace in their lives.