Dear "ConqueredbyLove," are you aware of 1 Corinthians 11:1 where Paul makes this statement? "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." And if you're going to follow him, read the following things the Lord led him through.

Acts 9:16. For I (Jesus) will show him how great things he (The Apostle Paul) must suffer for My name’s sake (Jesus’ Name).

1 Cor 4:9. For I think that God hath set forth us, the apostles, last as it were appointed to death; for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

1 Cor 4:10. We are fools for Christ’s sake (Whose fool are you?), but ye are wise in Christ; but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

1 Cor 4:11. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place.

1 Cor 4:12.  And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it.

1 Cor 4:13. Being defamed, we entreat; we are made the filth of the world, and are the offscouring (Outcasts) of all things unto this day.

2 Cor 1:3. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort,

2 Cor 1:5. For the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation aboundeth by Christ.

2 Cor 11:23.  Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool; I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

2 Cor 11:24.  Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes, save one.

2 Cor 11:25.  Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered a shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep;

2 Cor 11:26.  In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of mine own countrymen, in perils by the gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.

2 Cor 11:27.  In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2 Cor 11:28. Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Cor 11:29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I am not indignant?

2 Cor 11:30. If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Phil 3:8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST. Paul is saved and has Jesus living in his earthen body and knows without a doubt that he possesses eternal life. What does Paul mean by wanting to win Christ when he already has him? Paul said in (Phil 3:13-14), Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before. I press toward the mark FOR THE PRIZE of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The prize is winning Jesus as bridegroom and ruling with him as joint heirs.

Phil 3:9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

In Jesus' name.

You have a limited point, Cbylove, but to take it to where you did, is no less improper than for one who has never suffered to be barred from understanding the scriptures which bespeak it.

It might be helpful to define suffering, from your understanding of it.  I think that from what I hear from many, and I am NOT putting you into this category, that losing a job is suffering, or having a stroke is suffering, etc..  I don't subscribe to that mindset.  Please clarify yourself for the rest of us here.  Thanks.

Why do the rightous suffer,
1. because the enemy of our soul seaks to destroy us.
2. Lack of faith. It grows during testing.
3. Unbelief.

God would rather we all walked in perfect faith then nothing would trouble you, but the enemy seeks to destroy our faith, make God look to be something other then what He is, and he will use anyone, family, friends etc. This is why we suffer, but by enduring, our faith grows, our unbelief fades, and the enemy soon fades into the background. Its when we can go througha storm in perfect peace, just like Jesus in the boat with the disciples, that we know our faith is strong.

Philippians, which speaks of 'the fellowship of His sufferings' is also a relevant passage. Remember, the Philippian believers were to be joyful people.

I can't offer much better wisdom that many of you here, but it walking with the Lord, having had mountains and valleys for over 25 years, times when I've wondered wow, God must think I'm pretty strong to give me these trials and pain, because I know His Word promises never to give us more than we will be able to endure.  I thought maybe I had to question His judgement (JK)!   And then there are times of smooth sailing and well, rest.  Life is a journey, along the way we have sufferings and pain, blessings beyond belief, days of just going along and when we walk with Him daily, we come to realize He is there in every day - holding us up, whispering His love, sad when we stumble, always ready to reach down and pick us up.   That's the nature of our wonderful Saviour.
  Many years ago a sweet saint of God sent me and my husband a post card with this poem on it.  It was one our refrigerator for many decades, until sadly we lost it.  It has brought me many moments of joy and through many tears. 
What God Has Promised
Annie Johnson Flint

God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways,
All our lives through.
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

God has not promised
That we shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.

God has not promised
Smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel,
Needing no guide;
Never a mountain,
Rocky and steep,
Never a river
Turbid and deep:

But God has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love

Much thanks to you Bro. Larry2!  My first manna!!! Just wanted to spread a little sunshine!
Have a blessed day.
HAH