The suffering God inflicts while we are on Earth is nothing compared to the suffering doled out by Satan. I gladly take all the misery, disappointment and heartache God gives me each and every day if that is what it takes to even remotely prevent me from going to Hell.
I like to think it is about a child who is repeatedly raped by a parent. It is not really that bad, once the child learns to relax. Certainly a lot better than not having the occasional meal. What really matters is the parental involvement in the child's life and giving attention.
I often tell my kids that the rare and meager daily punishments I impose upon them for heinous acts like speaking without being spoken to is nothing compared to the joy Satan will get from searing their flesh off of their bones as they watch. Placing a little ones hand on the hot stove is an excellent teaching tool.
God causes regular pain and suffering to us to remind us it could be a lot worse.
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
Numbers 21:6 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.