Suffering serves multiple divine purposes in the Christian life, from getting our attention when we've strayed to preparing us for ministry. While trials are inevitable, the appropriate response is to rejoice - not in the pain itself, but in knowing we belong to Christ and that God has a purpose. When adversity strikes, running toward God through prayer, worship, and Bible study is essential. God uses our suffering to produce brokenness and surrender, often transforming our greatest pain into our most effective ministry opportunities.