Experiencing God’s Glory – Keep in Step with the Spirit
This is an amazing thought, former procrastinators – that we can experience God’s glory. He is glorious; when we obey Him, He reveals Himself to us, (John 14:21) and changes us into His image. (Romans 8:29) Think on that.
Through His Holy Spirit the Lord prompts us to obey. He moves us to get up early, or to invite neighbors for dessert. He orchestrates meeting a stranger, or points out somebody who needs groceries.
What are some ways we experience His glory and are changed into His image when we walk in step with the Spirit?
The discipline to obey results in the peaceable fruit of righteousness. When we obey Him, we are affected and so are other people. We may never know the ripple effect of our obedience, but we can be confident He is accomplishing His divine purposes.
Obedience develops humility. He doesn’t ask our opinion. We may not see or understand His purposes. But as we turn with Him, stop with Him, step where He steps, we go where we would not have on our own.
Obedience stretches us beyond our comfort zones. Being uncomfortable, we see our need and learn to rely on Him. Finding Him reliable, we step out with Him again and again. Life grows richer.
Obedience allows us to know God more intimately. We get to experience His strength, provision, wisdom, courage as we carry out what His Spirit prompts. We realize things about His character we hadn’t before because we hadn’t been in a position to receive from Him in those ways.
Obedience increases gratitude. As He meets the needs He creates in us, we’re grateful to know His provision. We’re grateful to be used by the Lord, and grateful to have grown in ways we might not have chosen.
Obedience brings peace. Even if a process or outcome somehow disappoints us, we know we acted as our Holy Father directed. We trust it all to Him.
Obedience brings joy unmatched by anything else. Being aligned with the Lord, and used by Him in simple trust can bring surprises that swell our hearts with delight. Sometimes, it’s just plain fun to act as prompted and see what He does.
Christmas morning growing up, my mom and dad instructed us kids to stay behind a closed door until we were told to come in. While Daddy set up his movie camera, we jumped up and down waiting impatiently to run in to the Christmas tree. The anticipation was intense. Obedience paid off.
Walking with Him we can anticipate and experience much greater gifts – including change into His image.
What obedience has God used to work a change in you that shows His glory?
