This has been one of my favorite Bible verses since my high school days. I have doubled my age since then, and doubled in wisdom, knowledge, sufferings, and experience.

One of the most important things I have learned over the years is that this passage is true. When we thank God in the middle of our rough times, when we have a grateful spirit, perseverance comes, then true character, then we have real joy because we know that there was a Greater Love motivation behind it all.

Romans 5:3