The Word tells us that we must suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. Didn't he say "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me daily"? Yet, if somebody has been listening to the false prophets and teachers of the day, then they will have heard something like this- "Live your best life now, take up your riches, and give them to me (the false teacher) daily." As you can see this is completely opposite to the true gospel. 

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.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

I Peter 4

Didn't the apostles and early Christians endure unending problems, numerous enemies, and all types of persecution? Despite everything they learned to rejoice in God's mercy and salvation. Rejoice?! Really?! you may say. With man it's not possible but with God it is. 

Does it seem strange how God could allow us to suffer as we do at times. Isn't He supposed to be a merciful, compassionate, and loving Savior and Father? He is all that and more but we need to believe that our suffering is for a heavenly purpose- whether it's punishment for our own sins, persecution from others or for the purifying of our souls. Read what Paul says about one of his experiences:

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather Glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Corinthians 12

If Paul needed to go through suffering why would we think it Strange when sorrow, pain, and trouble come our way? And if he depended on the mighty grace of God, how can we do less? Beyond that we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. He went all the way to Calvary, suffering untold agony. We have our own cross to bear as well. In dying we will live again in Him. (Galatians 2:20)

⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

¹⁸ For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Romans 8