17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17 – 18)
6In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6 – 7)
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12 – 13)
We have provided three separate passages of scripture today to emphasize a very important relationship – the relationship between God’s glory and suffering. Please read the passages above carefully and note the relationship between God’s glory and suffering in each passage. What does this mean for our prayer life? Suffering comes in too many stripes for anyone to offer a singular prescriptive prayer. However, we need to recognize our natural inclination to avoid suffering, and ask God to help us see suffering in the context of His glory.
Questions
- Do you struggle with praying about suffering?
- How are your prayers impacted by the realization that God uses suffering for His glory?