The day I gaze into the eyes of God, fully and utterly satiated, shaped into a manifestation of Him, will be the best day of my life. I explored the crevices of this verse in my mind, lying on my bed enveloped in utter darkness. But as I dwelt upon this future glory, I realized that the promise of the future begins in the present.
As for me...
I may not be able to gaze into the eyes of God on this earth, but I can gaze with sheer wonderment when I get a glimpse of His hand or an echo of His voice.
As for me...
I will not be perfected in righteousness while this sinful flesh lives, but I need not gaze on wickedness--the hand of the devil--while wishing I could behold God's face before my eyes are closed to this life.
As for me...
I may not be able to digest the fullness of God before I come to the richness of eternity, but I will gorge on His Word during this short life until I find an end to my soul's famine.
As for me...
I believe without a doubt that one day I will start up from sleep and find myself in the presence of my Redeemer, shaped into a manifestation of Him.
But I also believe that this future resurrection stands on the foundation of a past creation and rebirth and a present sanctification.
I was made in the very image of God already.
I am now a new, beautiful creature in Christ.
One day, I will awake in the likeness of Christ.
Therefore, I abide in the present under the cool, sheltering shadow of that future promise, but I rest upon the Rock after Whom God has already fashioned me.
Background Photo Credit:seyed mostafa zamani
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
That is so wise to keep your eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith till we die and are with Him forever! Thinking on the flesh, world, and the devil doesn't help anyone. Keeping our eyes on Him our eyes are radiant with what we want to give others - Jesus. Everything we do in our days is ordinary yet extraordinary because of His Holy Spirit flowing out into every aspect of our life! The war of words and language is so wonderful as the world is constantly trying to change and diminish words to mean nothing so an excellent writer like you and your sister is a huge sword landing freely where God has ordained. His Word does not return void. Blessings on you all... your family included as they are tied into your daily battle. I love that you are all covering parts of the wall. There is always those God preserves that won't bend the knee to worship the wrong things and is faithful to convict if we do... Okay all for now... Mamajo
ReplyDeleteSo good, Lauren! What an amazing dynamic that yes, we are already redeemed and are being sanctified, but there is much to do and abide in now in preparation of that Great Day to come. Thank you for this encouragement. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for something so good to dwell on today!!! It's been a while since I paused to think just how wonderful it will be to finally be with God the way we will when things here are done....Turning it to realize that being with God as already begun is even better! :) Hope you're having a great week!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting that you wrote on this verse, Lauren! It is actually one of my favorite verses and one I read just the other day.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a blessing to all!
~Emily
Excellent thoughts Lauren! I'm always inspired by reading your blog!
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