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But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18, NASB).
The Bible teaches that we are being transformed from glory to glory. The Bible does not say that we move from victory to victory.
Glory deepens the grace through which the Spirit manifests God’s glory, but it comes with a price. We can experience victory, but we often don’t quickly see results, as it takes time for a breakthrough. But even without seeming victory, our glory, through a deepening of our relationship with God, shines brighter.
Reflecting the glory of God comes by travail, testing, and temptation. By overcoming these challenges, we find victory — a battle-scarred victory — and sometimes, we wonder if it’s worth it.
As Paul writes. . .
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
I recently read an article about Charles Finney, and I list below a few of his thoughts on the intensity of our battles. . .
- If you have much of the Spirit of God, you must make up your mind to have much opposition, both in the church and in the world.
- You must expect very frequent and agonizing conflicts with Satan. Spiritual Christians are doing Satan much harm, and he sets himself against them.
- You will have greater conflicts with yourself than you ever thought possible. You will have blasphemous thoughts and suggestions to do deeds of wickedness, to destroy our own lives. Satan will implant these thoughts, and we must do battle against them. He wants to quench the Spirit within you.
- But you will have peace. If the church, the devil, and sinners oppose you, there will be One with whom you will have peace.
From glory to glory, not victory to victory.
Spiritual maturity and advance in the Kingdom don’t come easily. Our emphasis should never be on victory but on reflecting God’s glory, and though it might seem we are defeated, stymied, and inconsequential. . .
It’s okay because we don’t seek victory but to reflect God’s glory.
Our culture wants a quick fix with a testimony of accomplishment. Glory stands apart from success, merit, degrees, accolades, power, and money. It’s humble and not self-seeking — and it alone gives testimony to God’s transforming power.
What do we reflect? Hopefully, glory to glory, not victory to victory!
Let’s not lose heart.