11/17/2019
What have we done entirely of ourselves? What have we done that we can claim wholly as ours? Not a single thing can be accomplished that God has not facilitated it, so to Him we owe the glory. Our very next breath, the strength in our arms, the power of our thoughts, the circumstances, and the successes of every venture, they are all of Him, by Him, and through Him. In this regard we should yield all glory to God. Does this cause our pride to fidget, and squirm within us?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
Do you give God all the glory for the successes in your life, or do you think He is only a tool for you to use in accomplishing some portion of them? I like to watch football on television, and when certain players score a goal and point briefly to the sky, but then begin to run about with outstretched arms, or do little dances, as they accept the adoration and glory of the crowd... In those moments of success it is often as if they are allowing God to share in their glory, and not the other way around, and it disappoints me.
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,”
2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV
But, what God has given us, He can just as easily, and quickly, take away. A short time ago I experience stroke-like symptoms that robbed me of my ability to form even the simplest thought. This condition came on suddenly, but it was intensely frightening, and as I attempted to speak with one of my very good friends I found myself lost for words, names, and in essence the ability to carry on the most rudimentary of conversations. I was lost in a whirling mass of disjointed words. I didn’t understand what, or why, this was happening to me, but after a brief time in hospital the symptoms subsided, and my wits came back to me. It was then that I realized I was given this experience to reinforce in me the transient nature of our talents, and to be able to communicate this with others. Glory is not something we share with God... it belongs to Him!
“For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.”
Isaiah 48:11 ESV
Now back to football, and let’s consider the amazingly talented player who is injured, and possibly finds his career ended. They don’t understand why this thing has happened to them. Or, perhaps the singer who loses their voice to over exertion. They in essence are experiencing the same “Humbling” that I did when I couldn’t speak or think, and also similar to Paul (Saul) when he was knocked down, and temporarily blinded. God uses this kind of lesson in each of us to show us that He is God; all glory is His, and then, after our suffering through it, He will increase our faith by this experience.
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,”
Romans 4:20 ESV
So are we giving God all the glory for who we are, what we have, and even the physical and mental blessings we possess? If not then are we ready to return the glory we have stolen, and uncover an increase of faith by doing so... or do we need to be humbled on the way to our epiphany regarding God’s glory, and before we will realize a strengthening of faith?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all you do in my life, and for making me who I am today. Thank you Lord for every breath, every thought, every step I take, and all the blessings you bestow upon me each and every day. Help me Holy Father to acknowledge you in all things, and to give you all glory! When I look at the less fortunate let me see that they too are being used by you, and that even the meager things I see them do bring you glory... just as much so as those things I do. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who blesses us, sees each of us the same, and deserves the glory for every way in which we are used by you. Praised be your name for the song of the virtuoso, and the untrained sounds of the deaf and dumb. Praised be your name for the fortunes given to your church, and for the widow’s mite. All glory for these things belongs to you. Hear our voices as we give you this glory, but most of all receive glory for the mercy and grace we are given through Jesus Christ. We worship you Father, and lift you up!
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Romans 11:36 ESV
Rich Forbes