“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son,
that your Son may glorify you…”
John 17:1 NIV

“’Very truly I tell you,
when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted;
but when you are old you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ 
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.”
John 21:18-19 NIV

No one enjoys suffering and we all do whatever we can to avoid it. Some people seem to be able to endure great sorrow and still function effectively in life. Other people quickly become disabled in the presence of grief. Certainly we seek to avoid sorrow as much as possible.

Yet, our verses today seem to talk about glorying in times of trial. Paul, writing to the Roman Christians, speaks about numerous benefits that come when a believer goes through difficulties. Perseverance, character, and hope all come to Christians in times of sorrow.

Jesus spoke about the cross and how it would bring Him glory (John 17:1). Lastly we read our Lord’s words to confused Peter. Our Lord told Peter that his martyrdom as an old man would glorify God. So in various scriptures we read that we should glory in sorrow, and we should glorify God by how we respond to trials.

Whatever your circumstances, may you seek the glory of God in them. May you be submissive to the Lord’s will. May you embrace the difficulty knowing that the One Who has called you shall supply all your needs. His grace always exceeds your needs and from His inexhaustible resources you shall find all you need for the day. As your day so shall your strength be (Deuteronomy 33:25).

Go forth in the strength of the Lord and you shall defeat the enemy every day until you see the Good Shepherd standing before you waiting to welcome you to your eternal home.