Job, who had his share of suffering or affliction – some may say more than his share – said this, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Trouble is the lot of all mankind. There is a difference, however, between the suffering experienced by God’s people and that of the world at large. There is a different purpose. The purpose for which Christians suffer is that they might be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28-30).
According to Romans 8:28, God works all things together for good (including afflictions), but only for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose. That purpose is Christlikeness; God predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son (see Rom. 8:29). We must then strive to be like Christ in both character and conduct. John the apostle wrote, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).
Some of the Psalms speak of God afflicting His people. He purposefully afflicts us that we might learn and keep His Word!

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word (Psalm 119:67).

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes (Psalm 119:71).