Glory to Glory is a lifestyle surrendered to the transforming work of Christ in the life of the believer. It begins from the moment of salvation and draws us ever closer to Christ by transforming our hearts ever so slowly at times into a heart that longs for, seeks after, hungers to know Christ in all His beauty, majesty, and Glory. As He becomes our greatest treasure, we begin to lay aside all searching after counterfeit joys. As God’s Glory is magnified in our hearts, we become transformed. Yet, the mystery remains as to why key in our transformation and key in our seeking Christ there is suffering that we must endure on this earth. Some of the self-righteous would try to tell you that God only sends trials when we are living contrary to Him; but, I fear they do not know Him well enough. True, like the Gentle shepherd and Father He intervenes with His guiding hand of discipline when we rebelliously sin against Him or when we wander off searching for greener pastures. Yet, not all sorrows and trials come as a result of rebellion; rather, only God knows what is needed to transform each heart to be able to fully experience the Glory of God and what is needed to prepare us to see Him in all His Splendor. So, yes; if you follow Christ, suffering and pain will be a part of your life and it is for that reason that the moanings are heard by us, the creature (so caught up in our self-centered covetousness) that we must have the counterfeit treasures ripped from our hands sometimes, so that we might seek the only treasure that will satisfy. The entire creation is moaning for the day that delivers the heaven and earth from evil. Yet, when we are in our greatest of despair; even the Holy Spirit groans with great wailing while interceding for us. He it is that guides us, comforts us and groans with us. I find that a very comforting thought.
Romans 8: 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Yet, the sufferings we may endure on this earth are fleeting compared to eternal glory, love, joy that is ours with Christ. In that we stand with hope as God continues His refining work to ascertain one day we are ready to experience Him in all His Glory. So when trials come, keep these remembrances in mind.
Remembrance #1: God is preparing you for Perfect Joy in His presence
Remembrance #2: The Holy Spirit is with You, making intercession for you and to comfort you
Remembrance #3: The sufferings we endure on this earth are but seconds compared to eternity with Him
Remembrance #4: No suffering is too great for the salvation of one soul.
Remembrance #5: He is the only treasure that matters and the only treasure that can fill our hearts with Joy, Hope, and Love in the midst of any circumstance
Remembrance #6: Never forget the price Christ paid for your salvation; yet, a little while He is returning to take you home as we are merely pilgrims in route to our final destination.