"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." (Romans 8:30)In this section of Scripture, the Apostle Paul is writing a letter to the Christians in Rome who are experiencing severe persecution because they refused to worship the Roman Emperor. They faced beatings and imprisonment and even tortured deaths, but Paul reminds them that God is working out His very good plan through these trials. All along, God has plan to adopt them into His family and conform them to the image of His Son, Jesus, who also suffered the persecution of Rome, even to the point of death. Jesus didn't deserve death, but we do. It's the penalty we've earned for our sins. But Paul says God has justified and glorified us. He has declared us righteous despite our own righteousness. So no matter your trials, you can rejoice knowing that all your sins have been paid for by our generous Savior. He is where the joy is!