Reflection:

The Christian life is a journey that begins with our justification, continues with our sanctification and culminates in our glorification. Very simply, by trusting in the completed work of Christ on the Cross we are reconciled to God — we are justified. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit within us, which is every believer’s birthright, we are sanctified — day by day we are made holy. Finally, our goal, and the goal of God for us, is that we might one day be glorified, that is presented before God as holy and blameless, perfectly reflecting the nature and character of Jesus. The promise of the gospel is that God’s glory will be revealed not just to us, but ‘in us’. It is with this breathtaking ‘end in mind’ that Paul seeks to put current suffering into perspective. As difficult as they might be, the pain, tears and grief are incomparable against the wonder and joy we will experience in our glorification.

What ‘momentary trouble’ are you currently struggling with? How might God be glorified through it?

Prayer:

You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you.
your right hand upholds me.