Successfully Overcome Struggles with the Glory Found in God’s Presence
We have stairs in our new house. When we downsized and bought our house in Idaho, we purposefully chose one level. My body adapted to life without a full flight of stairs to conquer several times throughout the day. I now feel the full effect of stairs.
Sadly, I reached that point in my life where stairs present a challenge. I don’t run up and down the stairs without a second thought. Instead, I study the stairs, and I contemplate where in my legs I will feel the most discomfort.
Groaning for Glory
As I began the process of preparing for this week’s blog, I chose to scan previous blogs I wrote in the month of November. I read a blog I wrote in 2019 titled “Groaning.” I instantly connected with the words I penned since the stairs in my new home often elicit a groan from me.
In the same blog, I discussed a lesson God presented to me from Romans 8:18-25. I wrote, “It’s a familiar passage about the fact that our sufferings in the present time can’t compare to the glory that awaits us when we finally are in God’s presence, praising Him around His throne.” In the blog from 2019, I concentrated on the phrase “we also groan within ourselves” from Romans 8:23. This time through, Holy Spirit emphasized verses eighteen and nineteen to my heart.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed.”
Romans 8:18-19, CSB
Suffering and Struggle
I know friends, and continue to meet new friends, who are suffering. Some endure physical illness, some have prodigal children, and others manage deep relational wounds. People experience exhaustion, loneliness, depression, confusion, disillusionment, and feeling overwhelmed. Still, every morning, they get up, get dressed, and live another day trudging up and down the stairs they face.
For all of us, we find it difficult to be thankful when our present sufferings overwhelm our everyday life. Just like the psalmist does in Psalm 86, we bring our distress to God. We long for life to be different ~ better ~ filled with peace, joy, and hope. All of us struggle at times to be fully grateful when we focus on wanting something so different from what we are experiencing.
Someday Glory
Holy Spirit highlighted these words in vibrant fluorescent yellow. “…the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed…” Someday, we will experience glory in its fullness. Someday, we will be in the presence of God because we are His children.
I often hear pastors say, “we live in the already and the not yet.” One day we will experience the complete wonder and power and glory of God’s presence. We aren’t there yet. Instead, we must answer this question; “If that is the ‘not yet,’ what do I already live in?”
Glory Already
From creation, God desired to live life with us. To begin with, in Eden, He met with Adam and Eve to take evening walks. While the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God proved His presence with a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud by day. Jesus came as a baby, the angel said He would be called Immanuel which means God is with us. Lastly, Jesus’ final words in the book of Matthew are “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We already live in God’s presence. James tells us if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). The author of Hebrews tells us God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). In addition, Paul tells the Corinthians they are God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells in His followers (1 Corinthians 3:16).
God confirms through scripture we experience glory in His presence. However, we must recognize glory to be more than bright lights and fancy miracles. The word glory means, “something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration.” (Dictionary.com) Therefore, we can declare we know God’s glory when we experience a reason to honor Him, admire Him, or talk Him up big time.
Finding Glory
Are you tired, worn out, emotionally exhausted? We learn in Exodus 33:14, we find rest in God’s presence. Glory!
Have you messed up, failed, or can’t figure out how to make things manageable? We learn in Hebrews 4:16, we find mercy and grace to help us in our need when we are in God’s presence. Glory!
Are you aching for a loved one, hurting over a damaged relationship, or fearful of what lies around the corner? David teaches us in Psalm 23 that God comforts us. Glory!
Do you believe you aren’t good enough, what you offer isn’t worthwhile, or you can’t do what others do? We learn in Zephaniah 3:17 God is a mighty savior, He delights in us, He is glad about us, and His love can calm our fears. Glory!
Are you sad, discouraged, or disappointed? David tells us in Psalm 16 we find joy in God’s presence. Glory!
Do you believe God has asked too much of you? Do you get up each day and just go through the motions because it’s all you know to do? Luke tells us in Acts 3 God will refresh us in His presence. Plus, John tells us the Holy Spirit helps us, teaches us, and reminds us of what we’ve already learned (John 14). Glory!
Draw Near to God
I have felt each of these struggles over the last several months. And I have also known glory. Asaph says it well in Psalm 73, verse twenty-eight. “But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge and placed my trust in Him, that I may tell of all Your works.” (Amplified)
Honestly? I still have days when I groan. I groan because of the stairs, and I groan because some days life is difficult. However, I know I can bring my struggle to the Lord. I am grateful He is always with me, and I find glory in His presence. He enables me to keep conquering the stairs, and someday, I will experience the fullness of His glory. Hallelujah!
