If God Do Not Change Us, WE Can't Change

                                                       When The Door Slams 

And we all. who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.                                                                                                              2 Corinthians 3:18

        Paul outlined the process of a great transformation in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Passing through a great challenge changes us. Peter, the coward of the courtyard, became the lion of Pentecost. Paul, the persecutor, became the great champion of the faith. David, the shepherd boy became Israel's greatest king. Moses, who ran for his life, faced down Pharaoh and delivered his people. 

        First, we encounter God with "unveiled faces." All pretense, self-righteousness, and pride are stripped away. We see ourselves clearly and know who and what we are-sinners in need of a Savior, weaklings in need of great strength, and fools in need of great wisdom.

        Second, we "observe the Lord's glory." Like Moses, we are transformed by confronting the glory of God. We grasp the true majesty and infinite wonder of our Savior and His love. We are humbled and overwhelmed in His presence.

        Third, all this "comes from the Lord." We can't do any of it! No matter how hard we try, how disciplined, rule-keeping, or religious we are, we remain shameful sinners. We only wash the outside of the cup (Matthew 23:25-26). If God do not change us, we can't change.

        Fourth, we are "transformed into His image." Our destiny is to be like Jesus!

        Finally, we are transformed "with ever-increasing glory." Transformation is a process, not and event. We keep changing and will never, even experience all the transformation or glory we long for or His intends. 

        Think about this: Are you a person in a hurry? If so, you may be in for a few disappointments. Why? Because life has a way of unfolding according to the Lord God  timetable, not yours. That's why life requires patience, and lots of it. 

        In Lamentations 3:25 reminds us that, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him" (NKJV). But for most of us. waiting is difficult because we are in such a hurry for things to happen. We are fallible beings who seek solutions to our problems today, not tomorrow. Yet God may have others plans. 

        The next time you find your patience tested to the limit, slow down, take a deep breath, and relax. Sometimes life can't be hurried; during those times, patience is indeed a priceless gift  from the Lord God.

Affirmation: Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, that through Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39).

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                    Never Rest Ministries