II Corinthians 4: 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
The work of our salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification is a work of God and He only can change this dark heart that searches for vain self glory at times. What an incredible thing that even this my Christian walk has little to do with me. Most of this my Christian walk I have strived to work toward pleasing Him, thinking that there was something I could do for Him. He who is King of this universe, needs nothing of man. In the frailty of this earthen vessel the only thing left is that I might see His glory and savor that in my heart—seeking to see Him fully. Even that is purely His work. It was God who commanded that the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: “shine out of darkness into the darkness of my heart. He called me into His own and from the moment I accepted Christ as my Savior He sat about performing the work of transforming me into His image. Sometimes this journey has led me through great sorrow or pain, all ordained by His Hand of love. The work of transforming a selfish vile heart into one of service, love, and glory would seem so impossible—yet, the creator of this whole universe loved me so much that He would spend His energy and time in this transforming work. He knows that by nature I and this human race seek to find self glorification or pride so He even allowed my failures that I might erase all pride. I use to wonder why it would me that I would want so badly to please Him only to find that I had stumbled and fallen once more. Yet He guides each step of my path. He does not ordain sin and I do not wish for you to think lightly of it, nor do I. Yet, He said in Romans 8: “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” How then does this fragile earthen vessel ever reach glorification? It is a step by step process—His work and only His. II Corinthians 3:” 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” He sets about to transform me step by step, glory to glory (little steps, little changes). Yet, even the revelation of Christ’s glory to this darkened heart is His working in me. Such patience He has demonstrated in this wayward heart. The very depth of that kind of love draws me to want nothing except Him and to as Paul in Galatians 6: 14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
When you begin to understand this, everything changes. The struggling stops, all fear dissipates into joy. Even those trials that are a part of our daily lives here when viewed as part of God’s plan in that transformation are welcomed. We must keep focused on the glory He wants to reveal in us.
Romans 8
18 For I consider 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 creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
There is an urgency in me that wants to spread this truth to a world so covered with pain and suffering. He is the only hope. Only He can spread this light of joy, peace, and hope. Even if He gave me nothing, even if salvation were not available, He is so worthy of my praise that I must go forth telling of His Glory. Have you seen Him is all His Glory, if not ask that God remove the veil from your darkened heart that He might shine forth His Glory into your heart.
The other morning as I needed to leave for work I had to stop and write these words down before they disappeared from my brain. God knew I needed hope for that day.
Glory to Glory
Glory to Glory, my life now defined
Boughten, redeemed by Your love divine
Transforming my life by Your joy sublime
Laying my life down, I give you my time
To seek your full Glory, all else I resign.
Undeserving I be, now my sins You erase
Let me lay down my life for my cross to embrace
What else could I seek but Your glorious face
Right there beside me each step of this race
It is Your joy, Your peace, Your mercy, grace
Love, Effie Darlene Barba