Hi Mike,
It's written that in this world we shall have trouble, most of us come to the Lord for help when the pain exceeds the gain: when our comfort zone is failing. "now is the accepted time of renewal." It's a lifelong journey, learning of the Lord, to be a friend of God and have His humility: not to think to highly of ourselves in Him, as "Pride goes before the fall; When we think we are better we are vulnerable to take things in our hands again. Being thankful and content in relationship with God is great gain, remaining thankful in everything is the beginning of maturing in the will of God.