I've experienced pain that has helped me in some way, such as the pain of plowing through and completing a difficult project, or learning a new skill, or exercising. But I've also experienced losses that were merely destructive. Losses from which I learned only that life is hard and tears your heart out. This latter is a lesson, to be sure, but not one that improved me or anyone else very much. 

If Nathan means that we should make the best of bad situations, and at least survive and get stronger even from those that have nothing redemptive in them, then I agree. But I've had some life experiences that were merely gratuitous pain, and I can't believe that even God saw any value in them. (And mine, compared to the pain and suffering of some, has been minimal.)