There are few "sure things" in this life. One of them is pain. If we live long enough suffering will find us...or we, it. Pain is inevitable in this fallen world. It is as certain as death itself. But why do we suffer? What is the purpose. The Bible is clear in this. It is so that we may develop qualities that we otherwise would not have. Wisdom, steadfastness and spiritual sight all come as a direct result of suffering. Of course there is self-inflicted pain that may not accomplish this purpose, but I am talking about the kind of pain that comes upon us while we are yet unaware as to why we are facing it.
In these moments we must ask our selves what is the appropriate response. The world and the church for the most part seem to be undivided in the answer. "If at all possible, and at any cost, avoid the pain...if avoidance is not possible, grumble...and ask God 'Why me? What did I do to deserve this?'". But God's Word suggests we are to have a different approach to suffering. It says not to be surprised...or think that this is strange that you are in pain. And then it gets scandalous as it says, "...but rejoice." At first glance, this may seem to be a ridiculous command (and make no mistake...it is a command). But this is God's Word...it is Truth...and we must attend to it.
Perhaps it will help us understand this directive to suffer if we illustrate with a fairy-tale-like story. So let us imagine a prince in a far away country. His love has been kidnapped by a neighboring kingdom. She has been taken to a castle that is guarded by a 50 foot moat, 100 soldiers with swords and fiery arrows, and a 45 foot x 15 foot wall. It will not be easy getting through to his princess. Now the prince could say, "I'd love to get her back, but I'm not going to face all of those trials to do it." He does not. He says, "It will not be easy, but I love her and she is worth risking all to get to her back." There is a joy set before him of bringing her home and he bravely charges headlong into the trial and suffers in order to rescue that which he desires more than anything else...his princess. And once the struggle is over and he has taken his princess home there is great rejoicing in the kingdom.