One of my favorite times of day is sunset here in Palm Desert, California. My husband and I have almost a ritual where we look out the front window every evening to see how God is painting the sky. Sunsets here in the desert can be magnificent with a palette of pink, yellow, and purple hues.
One night was very special. My husband looked out the window, then called to me, "Cath, you have to come see the sky!" Once I saw it, I grabbed my camera, and we both went out front to watch God at work, declaring His glory once again. This image is one of many I captured that evening with my Sony A6000, Zeiss 16-70mm lens.
What we saw was a glimpse of glory from the Lord. The psalmist said that "the heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). God's glory gives us meaning and purpose, as Paul encouraged us with these words: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
God's glory is the splendorous essence of His true Being, Nature, Existence and Person. I would almost say that the word "glory" (doxa) is very difficult to define and articulate with human words. Any expression of God's glory is only a glimpse, and just a glimpse is blinding at best.
God is at work right now doing so much more than we realize.
Our finite knowledge and comprehension cannot even begin to perceive how God is weaving together a plan and purpose that involves us and our life — no matter how chaotic and difficult our life may seem.
There is a promise I have counted on for many years now. Paul says it at the end of a beautiful prayer in Ephesians 3:20. —
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20
Oh how I love those words today. They help me believe God for big things even when everything seems to be against me. They help me pray even when I have not yet experienced the answer. They help me rely on God in my own weakness, knowing that His power is more than enough to face the day. They help me realize that God is all-sufficient and will provide for every need in His time and in His way. And they help me see that there is so much God is doing behind the scenes that I can't see. Only heaven will tell the story of what God has done.
God does more than you can imagine in every situation.
Sometimes God will give you just a glimpse of what He is doing in and through your life. Like the day when I had the opportunity to speak in Sacramento, California, at the Northern California Calvary Chapel Association Women's Day Conference. Oh, how the Lord worked among all of us. Or the day that my brother said he watched a national interview of a Navy seal whose wife shared that she grows in the Lord by reading and studying God's Word with Catherine Martin's books. Or the day a donation arrived in the mail for Quiet Time Ministries to help meet the needs in our ministry.
God has amazed me time and time again with His power and provision. Sometimes I believe He stretches our faith to help us trust and rely on Him more in situations that seem impossible. And then, when we least expect it, He steps in and surprises us with something that is truly more than we could have imagined.
Lord, today I want to be encouraged to trust You and keep on asking and imagining big things from You in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
