Tag: Faith

2 Corinthians 3:18 KJB “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

I like what Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers says regarding this verse, “We see God mirrored in Christ, who is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), and as we gaze, with our face unveiled, on that mirror, a change comes over us.”

It’s so beautiful to know that as Christians, when we keep our gaze on Christ Jesus, we have the privilege of becoming more like Him and reflecting Him to others. Of course doing this takes intentionality. Everything we do should be done with the purpose of reflecting Christ. 

God is always calling us higher, desiring for us to go from glory to glory and grow in our relationship with Him. This will require us to not lead a life of control and comfort, but instead a life of faith and obedience to His will. Living life with our gaze fixed on Christ, will lead us to the adventures that He has for us.

We see Him best when we choose to walk in His will, even if we must leave behind control and comfort. Although there are many things in the world that we can enjoy, surrendering to Christ each day, will give us the true fulfillment we long for. And that goes beyond even the best things this world has to offer. 

Psalm 145:16 ESV, “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

As you sense God calling you higher, I encourage you to pray about everything and trust Him with each detail of your journey. Don’t let fear, anxiety, or comfort hold you back from the blessings God has for you on the next level. 

Proverbs 20:24 NLT, “The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?”

When we pray and ask God for wisdom, He will guide us and tell us what He knows we need to know. However, humility and trust help us to surrender to God and find rest knowing that we don’t have to understand every detail of every situation. And since He is directing our steps, we can trust Him with what we do not know. We do know that His plans are flawless and He will work everything out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

It can be difficult at times to choose to trust God with the unknowns we face. But as we choose to trust Him, we will see His love at work in our hearts and lives. There is no detail that slips past Him. He faithfully cares for us and will provide our every need. 

Luke 6:27-28 NIV, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” 

I think most people can agree that showing love to difficult people is one of the hardest things to do. But nevertheless, God commands us to do good to, bless, and pray for those who have hurt us.

God doesn’t always remove difficult people, sometimes He allows us to walk through the difficult circumstances and learn to trust Him as we grow in love. He never promised us that sharing His love and light would be easy, but He did promise to counsel us, direct us, protect us and love us. So with God on our side, we will be victorious. 

As you read these verses in Luke, someone in particular probably came to your mind. These verses have given us a reminder to say a prayer for whoever has mistreated us and trust God to work things out as we obey His commands.

Never under estimate the power of God’s love or the ways He is working to bring about good in your life or needed changes in the lives of others through your prayers. Remember, His plans are best, even when we can’t yet see the end result, so continue to trust God. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

Have you ever noticed that God’s idea of growth in your walk with him, is often different from what you expected? He has ways of stretching us that we most likely would not choose for ourselves. As we are changed into His image, there will be days where we feel closer to Him than others. We may battle doubt or wonder why God has allowed certain things into our lives.

The upward path in Christ Jesus will not be without challenge but it will also not be without His grace. His grace will be sufficient for our daily needs; in weakness, His strength and power are made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

God understands our situations and the difficulties we face as we learn to trust Him. He forgives us when we stumble and is always willing to bring comfort to our souls. In His love, He applies the right amount of discipline we may need to get back on track (Hebrews 12:6). And He perfectly balances everything with patience and kindness.

God’s upward path leads us to spiritual maturity. It helps us to grow in love, character, courage and wisdom. When we choose to surrender to God’s way, we reflect His glory. 

Maybe today you have been met with obstacles you did not foresee. Maybe God’s upward path has brought some unexpected circumstances your way.

Hold on to the hope we have in Jesus Christ…

Psalm 25:3, “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…”

As you continue to faithfully obey God, you are reflecting the glory of God, and changing into His glorious image. Take time out to remember His past faithfulness, and stay anchored in His enduring love.

May God’s joy fill your heart and His peace guide you, as you continue to pursue His best for your life.