in this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [1 peter 1:6-7]
2 timothy 2:21 tells us the point of being purified is two fold: 1) you are being sanctified (made more and more into the holy image of Jesus), and 2) you are being readied for God’s work. the God of all creation, who flung the stars into space and fashioned the minute complexities of your dna – is working in you to recreate a vessel for his use that brings him great glory and honor.
that we could somehow be used by God in his grand redemptive work is amazing, stunning, and humbling. i pray this drives you to your knees today in humility. that we could somehow bring God glory, that we could bring the only God, the all-powerful, all-knowing, transcendent God more glory than he already has – leaves me speechless. i pray this raises you to your feet to lift your hands in worship.
let this settle on your soul for a moment.
in our finite heart and minds we can barely get our head and heart around the idea that we could be of any use to holy God. but, we see that people are used by God. we have been affected by others that have pressed us into knowing the person and work of Jesus more fully. we have some idea that God can use people in his redemptive work. however, that the all glorious God can somehow receive more honor, more praise, more glory from us, is almost unbelievable? scripture says …
bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them. [isaiah 43:7]
God declares that you and i were created and uniquely made to do one thing – bring God glory. you were created and are being recreated (sanctified) so that your redeemed and restored life can declare to everyone who sees that there is a God who is greater than all.
today, sit in the presence of God and read through 2 peter 1:6-7. ask God to show you his glory, his overwhelming all supreme beauty and power. ask God to reveal his beauty that he is recreating in you through trials, through fire.
sit in his presence, wait on him. ask him to see his lost glory in you – being restored.
o LORD, show us your glory. reveal the overwhelming greatness of your beauty, your power, and your love. show us today that even in our most difficult moments, you are working in us to reveal your glory through us. in Jesus name, amen!
~ john ryan