2 Corinthians 1-3

Toward the end of chapter 3 Paul encourages those first readers of this letter that the Spirit of God is working in them to transform them into a glorious image of God's glory. Christians today have that same promise. As recipients of the promise that is greater and longer lasting than the Law we have a hope that is able to carry us through the struggles of life caused by the pain of suffering. I don't think it matters if the suffering is through persecution of ailment so long as we seek to depend upon God to bring us through the hardship. All of the glory we will behold in our life come to us through God's Spirit. And for that we can have joy.
It took me about 10 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart