Great post, important questions no doubt!
I don't have input from a theological perspective, however from a pure secular point of view, suffering seems to be necessary for and intrinsic to life. It makes life more advanced, more complex. As Nietzsche famously said, "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.". Decadence often breeds decay, etc.
Cheers!
Thank you for visiting and for your thoughtful comment.
Yes, adversity does seem to have the effect of strengthening us. It is still hard to take at times. :O