CWW Week 18 - Day 7 - A Work In Progress
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Scripture.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) says:
“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.”
Devotional.
This verse speaks about the transformative power of beholding God’s glory and being changed into His likeness through the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s often interpreted to mean that as we focus on God’s presence and character, we are progressively transformed to reflect His image more fully.
This perfectly describes the work as it nears completion.
“But we all, with unveiled face,” with the healing transformative power of the Holy Spirit all of our false beliefs and misconceptions are resolved in truth as we experience His power in love. We start to see it more clearly as though a veil has been lifted. This is when we better reflect it to others. Day by day and step by step, as the Holy Spirit refines and develops our character we can start to see God’s character reflected in us.
God fulfils His contract with us sometimes quickly and other times not, but we can rest assured that His comfort is everlasting and will carry us on wings of eagles to our completion. He promises this. The key here is to never give up. Hold the line even though the progress may seem too slow. The concrete needs to set before the foundations can be relied upon.
“being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Meaning that as each victory in the process is revealed we gain more confidence and a stronger faith taking us from glory to glory or from one victory over sin to the next. We achieve these victories in the power of the Holy Spirit to whom all glory must be directed.
In the past few years I have had no other option other than to lean into God. I had no idea what was expected of me as I confronted a multitude of issues in the public square. My only hope of survival was to pray publicly and show the people as much of God as I could in my own character. I had to grow and grow fast.
God gave me great discernment in showing me who I could trust and who I should avoid. Many called upon me to stand with this person or support that agenda and the Holy Spirit convicted me to do the opposite. People were angry with me for my discernment and were very critical to the extent that I felt I was living in the belly of the beast.
The Holy Spirit was spot on and I am so glad today that I followed His advice. Those who were pushing me to do the opposite have now seen the wisdom in my refusal and have seen clearly the Holy Spirits leading. I made it clear that I was putting all my faith in God and being led by His Spirit and I am so glad I did.
Many of those I was urged to align with have since fallen foul of their own agendas and ego. Most have vanished from the scene.
I look back now and can see clearly just how much I have grown since those days. I am much more relaxed and so much less triggered by attacks against me. God has made it clear that I am under His wings and the battle is His. All I have to do is trust and obey for there is no other way.
Keeping a regular diary is a great idea to help you measure your progress. I look back on my thoughts years ago as I reflect on my journey and I can’t believe what I was thinking back then. My growth, I assumed to be unnoticeable has been staggering in comparison to where I am today.
Any expectation of perfection on our part will only retard our growth because Satan will use it to unleash the harshest critic of all upon us; ourselves. We must not fall for the trap of perfection in our own power and strength because we have none, and will always be doomed to fail. If it’s not in God’s power the foundations will crack.
As we move forward from this week, let us be more convicted than ever as we grow from glory to glory realising always, even unto the return of Christ, that we have always been a work in progress and that faith will see us to completion.
Questions.
- Are you starting to notice some changes now?
- Are you feeling more hope than when you started this journey?
- Can you see some victory in each day?
Prayer.
Dear Lord, Papa God.
Lift the veil from my eyes Papa that I may see more clearly the intricate detail in the renovation you are conducting in my life. Restore me in your image and have me not claim the credit for the work that You have done but point out that if it were not for you I would still be derelict. May my actions reflect Your glory and may I forever be, Your work in progress is my prayer in your precious name Papa. Amen.
Have a great day with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
