Read Romans 5:1-11

[W]e also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

Through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are justified and have peace with God. As we live by faith, the evil one dials up his attacks, bringing all manner of distraction, persecution and opposition into our lives. But as we continue to trust Christ to strengthen us as we follow Him, we grow in character. Character is who we are becoming, and seeing how we are becoming more Christlike gives us hope. And the surety of our hope gives us joy.