passion for the glory of God
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. . . . And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:2b,5
Passion for the glory of God is similar to our growth in heart character. It is not something that we do or obtain, but something that God develops in us. Paul writes that suffering, produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope – hope in the glory of God. When we set our hope on the glory of God, it is like setting our eyes on a fixed point on the horizon, allowing us to walk in a straight path through the desert seasons. God’s purpose to strengthen our frame (build our heart character) results in a transformation in ourselves into the well-watered garden and the spring whose waters never fail. It is the process by which God builds and refines our faith: “these have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7). As tempting as it is to be thinking of our own praise, glory and honor that we will receive in the end, Peter is talking about the praise, glory and honor that comes when Jesus Christ is revealed. And when Jesus Christ is revealed, all praise, glory, and honor will belong to him.
What is God’s purpose for leading me into the desert season?
The heart character growth that takes place in our lives is truly amazing, but we are reminded that it is not because of our own efforts. Titus 3:5 states that, “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” We were saved by God’s grace and so we are also changed by God’s grace. Paul writes to the Galatians, “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Galatians 3:4).
Changing hearts is something that God alone does, and it points to His glory and not our own accomplishments. In fact, a desire for our own glory and for the glory of God can be competitors when God begins His work of changing our heart character and working through us to accomplish His purpose. Though we may grow in heart character or experience successful ministry, it is our choice to lay down our crowns at the throne of Jesus, and give him all glory, honor, and praise. Truly, pouring out all of the love God has poured into our hearts onto others is the process by which, God enlarges our hearts and prepares us to be filled up again. This can be a draining experience leading to burn out when God Himself is not our portion and the glory of God our passion.
His purpose for leading us into a desert season is that we would catch God’s heartbeat for missions and revival in our time – His Glory.
Observation - When was the last time you felt burnt out?
Understanding - How can passion for the glory of God be like a fixed anchor for our lives?
Application - What is one thing I can do today to reflect a passion for God’s glory?
Keep the fast track growing by discovering one of the temptations you’ll experience during a spiritual drought:
