Weekly Devotional - April 2nd

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus

Christ,   through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;    and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;   and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Roman 5:3

Trouble in our lives is what most people seek to avoid, and few would describe it as joyful. Even the apostle Paul is not claiming difficult times are joyful. He is declaring, from the context of what Christ has done, that even times of tribulation can offer an occasion for Joy; not because it is a pleasurable experience but because of what it produces in the Christian.