Our increase in faith does often require more suffering (John 15:18-19; 1 Peter 3:14). But, it can also be a trial or challenge that exposes your weakness and builds your faith (Acts 14:22). Ultimately, suffering exposes weakness and as children of God, we run to Him, through Christ, by the power of the Spirit, to find strength and comfort. Which increases our faith. What a joy to be afflicted by God as a Christian! He knows best and He loves us.

From my meditations on 2 Tim. 2:3 (see also Phil. 3:10-11).

Thanks to Pastor Landon for helping me think through the theology of suffering.