I know that God causes all things to work together for good for me, because I love Him and am called according to His purpose. For God knew me before the beginning of time, and as a result has predestined me to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29). Through Him I now rejoice in my tribulations, for I know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to me (Romans 5:3 & 8:18). I take solace in the fact that my suffering is merely a means of reinforcing my perseverance, refining my character, and providing me hope (Romans 5:3-5).

            My salvation is secure, because nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35). So He has promised! Even though I know that I will one day stand before the judgment seat of God, I have no fear, for in that day I shall be found sheltered in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:10, Colossians 3:3). My perishable body will be raised in glory (1 Corinthians 15:42-43). Just as my nature has borne the image of the earthly, I shall also bear the image of the heavenly, since He will transform the body of my humble state into conformity with the body of His glory (1 Corinthians 15:49, Philippians 3:21).

Excerpted from: Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself