The “Snail on a Turtle Thing” About Glory

 

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

 I once saw an image of a snail, riding on the back of a turtle.

 

I suppose that sums up the frustration of life, especially at year’s end. We reflect where we are- and most of us are dissatisfied with the location. And we certainly don’t feel glorious.

Glory. When we think of that word, the usual association involves a celebration, fanfare, beauty and perfection...and the Divine component of God in the entire mix.

 “And he said, ‘I beseech thee, show me thy glory.’”

Exodus 33:18

“But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.”

Numbers 14:21

“And one cried unto another, and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.’”

Isaiah 6:3

“O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.”

Psalms 8:1

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”

Psalms 24:8-10

“They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;”

Psalms 145:11

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:14

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

Romans 11:36

 “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

Revelation 7:12

Whew! Yep, glory is mentioned a lot! And that’s just a SAMPLING!!!

Yeah, I think we can agree glory is a fabulous thing. Of course we’d want IN on it! And, whether or not we know it OR feel it, we are very much in process OF it.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

But, here’s the thing- it’s not instantaneous; it’s gradual...

over time...years...experiences...awkward phases, failures...losses...and, yes, victories also.

And, this is usually where a little thing called patience comes in...

“In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Luke 21:19

Indeed, patience IS the other side to the glory coin.

 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

2 Corinthians 4:17

 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

Romans 5:3-4

Scripture NEVER Said, however, it was always a fun situation.

Nope.

Does it change the reality of that truth?

Again, nope.

After all, check out this little ditty...

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6

It has a lot to do with our attitude. It can be negative or positive about God’s very real perspective concerning us...

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Does our soul agree or argue with God?

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Psalms 43:5

C’mon, be honest.

Yes, our souls, our emotions and our feelings would probably prefer the presto change-o element to our glory transformations. But, the reality is the slower, snail on turtle circumstance. And again, let’s be honest. We’re not as ready for glory as we think we are!

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:12

^“‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said. ‘Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?’”

Mark 10:38

Hence, the very gradual process.

Instantaneous would be too overwhelming for us to handle all at once.

But delay is NOT denial. It’s just an ongoing, individual process, tailored to each one of us.

 “Even everyone that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”

Isaiah 43:7

Be patient then, even if you feel like a snail or a turtle. The glory for each of us IS happening!

Copyright © 2015 by Sheryle Cruse