It is hard to think of suffering as a time to rejoice, but Paul says just that in Romans 5:3-4, 3 Not Only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. When we suffer for a righteous cause, it is an opportunity to bring us closer to God. It is also a opportunity to learn and to grow in our faith. Through suffering we are reminded of our need for God, which prepares us for greatest challenges in life.