We all, with unveiled face, beholding . . . the glory of the Lord . . . —2 Corinthians 3:18
A servant of God must stand so very much alone that he never realizes he is alone. In the early stages of the Christian life, disappointments will come— people who used to be lights will flicker out, and those who used to stand with us will turn away. We have to get so used to it that we will not even realize we are standing alone. Paul said, “. . . no one stood with me, but all forsook me . . . . But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . .” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the Light that never fails. When “important” individuals go away we are sad, until we see that they are meant to go, so that only one thing is left for us to do— to look into the face of God for ourselves.
Allow nothing to keep you from looking with strong determination into the face of God regarding yourself and your doctrine. And every time you preach make sure you look God in the face about the message first, then the glory will remain through all of it. A Christian servant is one who perpetually looks into the face of God and then goes forth to talk to others. The ministry of Christ is characterized by an abiding glory of which the servant is totally unaware— “. . . Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him” (Exodus 34:29).
We are never called on to display our doubts openly or to express the hidden joys and delights of our life with God. The secret of the servant’s life is that he stays in tune with God all the time.
Journal DJR
Good Morning Lord,
Thanks for that last concept. That the “secret stuff” is just for you and me. I’ve seen people sharing great joy and great anguish and struggles … it didn’t seem right. The emotions were right … it was just the wrong venue. But how about a small group? Like an accountability group? Or a real small group, like me and JD in our CO2?
Those groups are there for your growth. The rules are different than for a large celebration or public sharing or evangelism. You dont see Billy Graham sharing his sexual temptations from the platform. But all great saints have a small circle around them where they share that type of thing. Those relationships are one of the main things lacking in my church in America today.
You understand that because you have seen the benefits. Share as you see me directing and you will be a blessing.
Click Image for John White's Original Vision For CO2's
