Romans 5:2-4 (Amplified Bible)
2Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.
3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.
4And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
People of God sometimes give the devil too much credit. When trials come, many Christians chalk it up as an attack of the enemy. But I found out that it was me. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was me. What I found out is that God was building character in me. I am so much more mature spiritual than I would have been. When the rug is pulled from under you and all you have to stand on is the Word of God, that's what you do. I learned to take it by force. 2008 was a year of endurance training. In 2009, you will practice what you learned.