Lessons from Matthew 17: Glory

I would like to share with you a time when God revealed a glimpse of His glory to me.

It was when I went to the Bible Study Fellowship headquarters for training as a potential class leader.

Prior to this visit I, and several others, had served as volunteers. On one such visit we were taken briefly into the library where all of Miss Johnson’s books and Bibles were kept.

We were told that this privilege was only reserved for teachers and staff, so there was not much chance of ever getting back in there again. Before we left, Jeanette, the full-time volunteer at the time, pulled one of Miss Johnson’s Bibles from the shelf. It was green with a pink ribbon to mark the pages and Jeanette told us that this was the Bible Miss J used while she battled cancer.

She showed us several of the places that Miss J had written like a diary in this Bible. My heart yearned to get back in that place and read what she had inscribed on its pages. But upon return volunteer visits it never happened.

Then when I went back for the teacher training, on the last day I was waiting for a meeting. The usual chain of events was that while waiting, most went to serve in the printing press. But, as God would have it, the press was down and we were given the opportunity to wait in the library.

I ran! I ran to get my brand new Bible and I went silently into the library. And after some time I located the cherished Bible. I sat in a comfortable chair looking out into an outside atrium and off to the right was a picture of Miss J.

I sat there and prayed for some time. Then I opened her Bible with all the tender loving care that I could. What I opened to was Leviticus, where Moses was instructed by God to anoint Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties.

I had known for a while that God was indeed calling me to teach and train others in His Word. And as I read this scripture passage, a brilliant light broke through the Texas clouds. It had been gloomy all day, but suddenly this brilliant light shined brightly on this Bible in my lap. It spread out until it surrounded the chair I was sitting in.

Now there were others in the library too at that time and I wondered if this light was filling the whole room. But to my astonishment, this light had been reserved for my sight only, and in my area only. The others were not aware of what was going on for they were in the middle of a light-hearted cheerful conversation, oblivious to what was taking place.

I sat there for a few moments and tried to drink it all in. But my time was interrupted by the secretary’s call of my name. It was really kind of surreal. I knew I still had to be confirmed by the leadership as a teacher, but in that moment I knew I had just been confirmed by God.

When things get tough, as leadership can, and when I doubt as I sometimes do, I go back and remember the glory of God that was revealed to me at that time when I needed Him most. For without His confirmation and the BSF leadership’s affirmation, the work I do would be for naught.

Because whenever we think we can, we must know that we cannot. But rather it is God in us that makes anything possible!

And again this is where He receives all the glory and honor and praise!

How have you witnessed the glory of God? Maybe through His Word and promises to you? Maybe through someone God has sent to come alongside you?

I don’t know that. But what I do know is that He desires to reveal Himself to us. To comfort us, to console us, and to encourage us!

What will you do in order to be more aware of His presence? Will you bow down in worship? Will you spend more time in prayer or study?

Whatever you do, put your whole heart, mind, body, and soul to it and I know you will be amazed!

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach