“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, NLT).

That’s not my default setting. I don’t normally rejoice when things go wrong or when I’m tested by tough circumstances. Normally, I whine. I complain. I wonder how much longer this is going to last. But rarely if ever do I thank God for what He’s doing.

But trials lead to endurance. Endurance leads to strong character. Strong character leads to confident hope. And that leads to unwavering trust. And in the middle of it all, the knowledge that God is working all things together for good helps us not to give up.

That’s what I want, God helping me. I want to rejoice no matter what. I don’t want to give thanks for the hard and bad stuff. That would be weird. But I can give thanks in the midst of it, knowing it leads to something good and something unexpected. And I can rest in the peace of God knowing no trial or problem He allows is ever wasted.