why do we suffer?
the first sin
when God created the first people, He placed them in a perfect garden filled with food and animals. He told them they could eat of everything but the fruit from the knowledge of good and evil. Eve was tempted by the serpent and then her and Adam ate of the fruit, leading to condemnation from the Lord as a consequence. Genesis 3.
sin
because of Adam's sin, we are all born into sin. we will feel devoid and down when we fill our spirits with addictions and perversion. Psalm 38: 3. when we give into the temptations and flesh, we hurt ourselves spiritually and emotionally. because of fallenness, life sucks. capitalism is blinding, poverty is through the roof, and disease and sickness floods the earth. this is all a result of the first sin. no matter whether you're a Christian or not, you will suffer in some form because we live in a fallen world. The difference God makes, is He always provides emotional, spiritual, or physical needs in some way. The bible explains that with Christ, though we will struggle, we should take heart because Christ has overcame the world through his sin-less life, innocent death and resurrection.
oppression
sometimes the suffering that happens in life is because of demonic oppression or oppression from people. racism, witchcraft, discrimination, classism, spiritual attacks, all these things are forms of oppression that are commonly used against people. 1 Peter 5:8, Isaiah 10:1-3. the world is full of wicked rulers (government, wealthy people), and the world is ruled by the enemy, (not that he obtains the same power as God or is equal to Him, but the world is fallen and the fallen one has dominion over it). you will especially be targeted if you have the Holy Spirit because the enemy wants to ruin the relationship between you and God, but the bible says He who is in you is stronger than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4); He's equipped with the tools and guidance to help you, from prayer to protection.
suffering is temporary
nothing you deal with on earth as a believer will keep you from your promise from God to be freed from pain and suffering in eternity. you're only here for a little time, but because you have allowed the God who loves you to be apart of your life and give you His spirit (through belief in His son & your savior), you will spend eternity in His presence, with no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering. God has so much love, peace and joy prepared for us on the other side that we will forget everything we struggled with on earth. that is the good news. Because Jesus came down, gave His life and rose, being the perfect eternal sacrifice for all, we can not only have a relationship with God in this life, but live with Him afterwards. you will have trials here, but there is a helper able to help you, Jesus will intercede on your behalf, and God will give you everything you need to get through life on this side until you're free forever. keep the faith, (or choose faith now), in Jesus Christ, and be prayerful. either way, you WILL have joy.