We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.

Recently a letter came from a man who had lost his job. Though he faced discouragement and uncertainty, he refused to give in to despair. In his letter to me he said, "I feel as low as ever in my life, but I know this is not the final word. Because I believe God has work that he wants me to do, I rejoice and rely upon his guidance!"

This man had discovered the key to personal strength - the faith that God will work through every event in our lives to accomplish his perfect purpose for us. Such faith inspired Paul to excl…