The world responds to suffering with anger, fear, and discouragement. Perhaps some may endure it with a measure of stoicism or even good humor, but in the end suffering is still seen as an evil to be solved or avoided. However, the work of justification utterly transforms the believer's response to difficulty. Though we soberly acknowledge the burdens of hardship and pain, knowing the truth helps us to see afflictions as a cause for exultant praise rather than bitter complaint. In fact, we boast in our trials because as we persevere in faith, we see with increasing clarity the work that God is doing to conform us to Christ and make us fit for eternity. We see godly character slowly replacing foolishness and selfishness, and as this new transformed character gives us assurance of our hope in Christ, we are comforted by God’s love in the clear and unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit. Christian, are you going through a season of affliction and pain? Don’t fear, but encourage your heart to praise, trusting that God is at work in you to produce endurance.