One of the statements I memorized in my high school days was this: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
We know God’s mind is far greater than ours and His ways are much higher than ours, so how do we bring Him glory? I thought the best way for God to receive glory in sickness was for Him to heal me instantly. But signs and wonders are His call, and though I consider today’s health a miracle from above, God chose a far different route than I would have chosen. In the hour of trial, I believe God receives glory if we simply believe what He says. And that is the challenge!
A little over four years ago, early one afternoon, God told me something: “My grace is sufficient for you.” I was a little puzzled by this familiar Word, not knowing the news I was about to receive. But a few hours later, when my friend the doctor came to our house with the message of cancer, the meaning was clear. God wanted me to know that no matter what was to come, it was enough that He was with me. Could I believe this simple message? In the day of suffering, the devil does not come against you with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life – he comes against you with unbelief! “Where is your God now? He is not with you! Look at you – at the time you need Him most, your God is no where to be found!”
But if, in that moment of darkness and despair, a soul says, “I do not see Him; I do not feel Him; I do not understand – but I know my God is with me”, the Father is glorified. Even if we cry out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”, yet we have surrendered ourselves to Him, the Father receives glory. Did not Jesus prove that, even in death, the Father can be glorified?
So how does God receive glory if I am strong and healthy and full of energy? Is the answer any different? Oh to believe what He says! If I know He is with me until “the very end of the age”, does that change the way I live? If I am confident I am “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”, will I be about His business? If “God has poured out His love into our hearts”, does that determine the way I treat my fellow man? If I am a “temple of the Holy Spirit”, does that keep me on the narrow path? It should – if I believe. “Stop doubting and believe.”
“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
“Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” John 17:1