Our Scripture reading today is 1 Peter 4:13, "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
The Apostle Peter reminds us that the sufferings of this sin cursed world are not wasted. They give us an opportunity to bring glory to God as well as have exceeding joy. I must admit that exceeding joy and suffering do not seem to go together. However, we are told elsewhere in Scripture that the ways and thoughts of God are not our ways and thoughts.
Suffering was greatly used in the life of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 5:8, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;" Suffering will also be used by God in a great way in our lives. They allowed by God for a purpose beyond what we can see.