Glory & Grace

2 Corinthians 3:5-9 (NLT) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God!

Have you ever felt unqualified to do something that you were asked to do? Especially when it comes to ministry - I know the enemy will always attempt to convince us that we aren't smart enough, haven't studied enough or aren't qualified to do the work God has called us to do. Part of it is true - we aren't enough … when we are doing something in our own strength this is. However, because we have the Holy Spirit in us, we are able to do anything God sets before us, and with grace. Our education, family history, and work history is not the standard for our qualification with God - the blood of Jesus is what qualifies us to do the will of God.

Our past sins - what the enemy desired to use against us - will now be used for the glory of God! We can say look where I came from - and now look what God has done! No man can get the credit for the miracles that happen in your life - you can defeat evil by doing good and sharing your testimony and victory with someone else. You are the encouragement somebody needs today - when you've been right with God for a few years and someone thinks you have it all together and never did anything wrong, then you share your past mistakes and things that once had you bound to shame and guilt but now you can freely speak of God's grace - that is when your light can shine in the dark areas of someone hurting and freedom and healing can take place. Don't ever hold back when you have a chance to share the goodness of God through your testimony. Freely share His grace through your transparency and give the devil a bad day. We become right with God when we accept what Jesus did on the cross - the glory of God can be greater than ever before because of His sacrifice. We should be glowing with the glory of God - it will draw people to us and allow us to speak life into them. I am thankful for the grace of God!