Endurance

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

To rejoice when our circumstances are dire is not often the sentiment we engage. Despair and depression have a tendency to encompass our feelings when we face disappointment. However, even then, most people naturally seek to endure and hope for a change of some kind. This is the character of the believer. Some people just give up — just too weary to keep trying. God's Word tells us to rejoice as we encounter difficulties and challenges with life in this fallen world because they are actually developing our ability to endure while He handles the outcome. During these times, we are encouraged to be confident of God's love and His unlimited ability to help us. Our hope to endure and overcome every obstacle does not come from trusting in our own power, but from our hope in God and trusting in His strength which is perfected in our weakness. God fills those who believe in His power with His Spirit to assure us of His constant presence. Nothing is too hard for Him.