We are to be Christ like in our Patient Endurance

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if you bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because you are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:18-21).

We are to be like Christ in our response to suffering and hardship. Christ came and willfully suffered for our sakes. As a lamb before the slaughter he was silent. In the face of the cross he prayed for his enemies and submitted himself to the experience. In doing so he offered himself as an example to us. Suffering is part of life, an unpleasant part of life but a part of life nevertheless. We of course shy away from suffering. We question its presence when it raises its ugly head in our lives; but Christ never said that following him would be easy. Be patient and endure difficulty, knowing that as you do so you are not walking an untried path. No, you are walking in the footsteps of the master himself- and those who have followed him in essentially closed countries.

Grace and Peace from Marcus
(Christlikeness Largely from "The Radical Disciple" by John Stott)