"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope." -Romans 5:3-4
The first part of verse 3 sounds a lot like an infomercial except instead of advertising "the deal of a lifetime" Paul is talking about tribulations. Tribulations and trials are not something Christians and non Christians for that matter get generally excited about. But Paul's emphasis here is not the trial itself but what the trial brings. The word "produces" here means to "work out". Tribulations literally means "pressures". So pressure in our life should work out of us perseverance, character, and hope. Paul is saying to rejoice not in the pain of the trial but in the gain of the trial. Through temporary trials got produces eternal fruit in us. God doesn't make quitters he strengthens athletes. God likes His servants well done and He'll leave us in the fire long enough to remove the pink in the middle. So rejoice because beyond any problem or struggle you might be having right now there is a God with an eternal plan and a purpose to make you into the woman or man He is calling you to be.
Hebrews 12:2 says to be "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
"Christians are like teabags you don't know what flavor they are till you put'em in hot water" -?