How to Ascend to The Edge of Glory ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Along with our inner desire for love and happiness, there dwells the desire to succeed. Deep within our being, there is a longing for Glory; because, everyone is born with the desire to seek Glory. We long for things of beauty and excellence. We yearn to belong and be a part of that which is eternal. This is true of everyone; even, the atheist wants to leave some indelible mark on this world. All too often, we want to know the how to ascend to the Edge of Glory; without wondering about the who or the why. Our purpose becomes skewed; as we see the end as more important than the means. Precisely, the reason so many Christians also are deceived into believing we were created that we might bring God Glory; instead of realizing, that He graciously wants to share with us His Glory.

There is a very fine distinction between the two. The idea that I might bring God Glory, focuses on me and my accomplishments. Self-focus can, during moments of success, bring elation and joy. However, it brings great despair; whenever, we fail to succeed. After all, with so many people on the planet; we cannot all be number 1, all the time. Sometimes, we win and at other times we may lose. Often, because others and we, ourselves become focused on personal achievement, we become obsessed with our failures. Then, we turn to lives of quiet desperation, feeling rejected, lonely and inadequate. It is no wonder our society is plagued by depression, addictions, suicides, anger and selfishness.

We are drowning in an ocean of hearts seeking Glory, without understanding true purpose. Furthermore, ashamed to admit the critical tapes in our own heads, we push on: wanting success, wanting to find the edge of Glory.

A SHIFT IN FOCUS

Isaiah tells us of a moment in time he gazed upon God’s Glory.

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:1-3

Seeing a glimpse of Glory, Isaiah realized the depth of his own depravity and that of humanity.

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 6:5

Suddenly, Isaiah recognized his predicament. He was fully aware of his own failures, the darkness of his prideful heart, and his utter inability to bring any glory to Ultimate Glory.

GRACE THAT ASCENDS TO THE EDGE OF GLORY

God did not leave him there; broken with despair. Instead, God reached out to touch Isaiah with grace.

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:6-8

Obviously, God could be His own spokesman. He really did not need Isaiah to be His messenger; however, God chose Isaiah. In one act of Grace, God chose to share a piece of His Glory with Isaiah. Isaiah would by one Gracious act of God be allowed to ascend to the edge of Glory. Every Jewish and Christian Scholar know the name of Isaiah; not, because of who Isaiah was. Rather, we all know the name of Isaiah; because of who God IS.

KNOWLEDGE THAT TRANSFORMS PURPOSE

Understanding this difference will transform your purpose. In fact, when you fully grasp this truth; you will ascend to the edge of Glory. God will use your life, your experiences, and your story to transform lives. When you look behind you; then, you will be amazed by the beauty and glory He has created from the rough, hard times in your life. Life gains new meaning. Hope reigns supreme. And, Joy will overflow into rivers. You will arise with newness of life every day. Freed from the chains of your own negative voices, you will be dancing.

Suddenly, you will find your life transforming as you seek Him more with each passing day. Success will abound around you. You may not be blessed with fame and fortune; but, you will be a success. God knows best whether you can deal with worldly success or not; therefore, He will guide your life, as He knows best. Either way, He will cause you to ascend to the edge of Glory.

PROMISE OF GLORY GIVEN BY JESUS

Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning all who would receive Him as Savior,

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. John 17:22-23 NKJV

When you and I recognize that our purpose is much bigger than ourselves; we, like Isaiah cry out, “Here am I, send me.” We cannot fail; when, God takes the steering wheel of our life. He will always steer us to the edge of Glory–His Glory poured over our lives.

So, how does one ascend to the edge of Glory? By realizing our place in this world and finding our purpose. Our place: Nothingness without Him, fullness of Being in Him; because God IS the Being without which nothing else exists. His promise is to reward all who diligently seek Him. Within that promised reward lies our purpose. He created us that He might shower us with His love, bestow upon us His Joy, and impart to us a part of His Glory. My purpose becomes clear in the why and the who of my purpose. It is all about Him, His Will: nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

concluding tweets

[tweetthis] We cannot fail; when, God takes the steering wheel of our life. [/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”God will always steer us to the edge of Glory–His Glory poured over our lives.” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”When we realize our purpose is bigger than ourself, we are freed to ascend to the edge of Glory” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”We are drowning in an ocean of hearts seeking Glory, without understanding true purpose” username=”effiedarlene”]

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

New King James Version (NKJV)

featured picture at the top of the post is used by permission https://unsplash.com/@muhammadbinmasood I added the inscription.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.