in what ways does northup's faith in god provide him consolation

Though it is not at the forefront of Northup's narrative, religion plays a crutial role in his story. Northup uses religion to emphasize which characters are "good," and which are "bad."He calls on God to sustain him throughout his ordeal and believes that there must be a higher purpose for his suffering.

Northup tells the stories of two other black men who are kidnapped and sold into slavery. What are the parrllels to Northups own situation?what happens to each of these men?why does northup include these stories in his narrative?