The Freedom of Glorifying God

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John 18:9 "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
Jesus was speaking of the disciples he had been given by God to train and go on to spread his word. They were regular men just like you and me, and actually the flunkies of seminary school, if you will. Jesus took them, taught them, challenged them, scolded them, and laughed with them. They grew to be hated, hunted, and generally disliked by all important society of the time. They encountered many trials and hardships because of Who they tried to bring glory to. But Jesus never allowed them to be lost. He covered them, counseled and protected them. He didn't keep them from the trials but their actions were testaments to God's glory. Even their deaths brought glory to God.
Think about it... we may go through great trials but, if God wants us alive for his purpose, nothing will conquer us. Regardless of what I may face in speaking or acting upon God's truth, my life or death is in His hands and EITHER can be used for his glory!! If my life serves best to point to him then I am unstoppable because of him. If my death serves best to bring him glory then there is nothing I can do or would want to do to avoid it. Death is final and has an infinite impact. My actions while I live are ways I can point to God and influence others' beliefs but I can influence them by my negative actions, too. In death, I have no ability to act and, therefore, can leave the world with the positive (or negative) influence I had while I lived. Hopefully, when I die (I pray many many many years from now :D) I will have left a legacy that points only to God and brings him the glory he deserves. So I'm good either way! Glory unstoppable or glory unforgettable. Woohooo!!

Comments

Daniel W. Slocum said…
If God didn't use imperfect people for His glory, there would be nobody for Him to use.
2:58 PM
Kassie said…
Good point. Our imperfection can bring greater glory than anything! Thank goodness for that or he might as well smite us all before we screw up everything!
3:22 PM
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