Mankind suffers all the time. We suffer due to the curse originated by Adam and Eve. We suffer because of the actions of the devil and his co-workers. We suffer due to the choices we make and their repercussions. We suffer because of economic and political issues. There is a lot of suffering, sometimes without good times interspersed to make this life feel worthwhile. Life is tough and can throw curveballs at us at unexpected times. But for all the grief we endure, there are good things that can come of the suffering.
...the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour... knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood. But the God of all grace, He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Pt. 5:8-10
So, after we have gone suffered a little (-almost, briefly*, little, long, season, a while), God will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us. Reading the other meanings for these words opens up different perspectives. Before I list them, I'd just like to say that we usually consider the word perfect from man's idea of it's definition, meaning without flaw, while the Bible gives a different view.
Perfect- complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, restore
Confirm- set fast, make stable, render constant
Strengthen- make strong
Establish- lay the foundation, found, make stable, establish, settle
Confirm- set fast, make stable, render constant
Strengthen- make strong
Establish- lay the foundation, found, make stable, establish, settle
Look at the benefits that can come after the suffering that affects us all. Honestly, I wish God would let believers out of it, but in reality, I know some greatest transformations in my life came after great adversity. Rom. 5:1-5 puts this order to suffering and it's benefits: afflictions, patience, experience, hope. So our afflictions teach us endurance, improved character, and increases our faith and hope- and those are good things!
We might not like passages such as these, but they should bring us hope that good can come out of the tough times too. Some of the 'greatest' men and women of all times were living in adverse conditions, yet they rose above it to change nations- and the world. We too can benefit the world with our transformed lives 'born on the backs' of our suffering.
*considering our lives are, by eternity's standard, brief and quickly fading, (Jm. 4:14; Is. 40:7,8) this meaning doesn't encourage me much!