I recall hearing a Catholic priest, talking about the crucifixion, say, "When good confronts evil, there must be suffering." St.Paul writing to the Romans says, "And if children (of God), 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 (Romans 8:17,KJV)."
In the west, the church often seems reluctant to confront evil and enter into the sufferings of Christ. We seek, too readily, the comforts and the illusion of security offered by the material world.
On the other hand, I am told that the persecuted church in China is suffering, but also thriving.
Perhaps our prayer should be, God protect us from being the church too comfortable.
To go deep into the subject of entering into the sufferings of Christ, requires a spirituality beyond mine. Even so one thing seems clear, Christ calls His church to go to places where people suffer.