Lessons in the Time of Preparation: From Glory to Glory

This is a tough one to write about or even try to describe, because it has such deep meaning and revelation attached to it for me.

It all comes back to this very reassuring verse: 2 Corinthians 3:18. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

The gist of what I can explain is this: God takes us from one place of glory to a greater place.  Being in those places of glory is an amazing time...but in order to get there, we have to be in the "to" place.  As I've heard it described, if the places of glory are rooms, then "God opens and closes doors, but it's hell in the hallway."  That is so true!

Whoohoo, I'm in the "to" part of that phrase.  Sigh.  

And then I went to a Bethel Worship Nights "concert" (for lack of a better term) in Harrisburg with a friend.  When William Matthews was on stage, on of the not-yet-released songs that they did was one he sang, titled "Glory to Glory."  Not only was it a song that spoke to both me and my friend's heart, but the prophetic words that he shared before the song did, too.  About how God is taking us from strength to strength (Psalm 84:7, if you want a reference), from glory to glory, etc.  I can't quite remember it all, but it was an amazing word.  

Later I wrote a poem on the concept.

She is tired of being in the room;

There is nothing more to do.

She played all the games,

Read all the books,

Opened all of the surprises.

She said, “Daddy, I’m tired of this room.”

I don’t have anything left to do.

Can I go to another?”

He replied, “Daughter, I am preparing

Another room for you,

But it is not yet ready.

You will have to wait in the hallway.”

She turned the knob and the door slammed shut.

She stood and looked about the hallway.

Oh, there was nothing at all there!

It was cold, and she had no blankets.

There were only pictures on the wall

To look at, but that was all.

How she wanted to be in that new room!

She saw the door and looked at it longingly.

Maybe Daddy was done.

she tiptoes over and rattled the knob.

Locked.

Daddy’s voice said, “Daughter, it is not yet ready.

You must wait a little longer.”

“How much longer, Daddy?”

“You do not see time as I do, Daughter,”

Was all he would say.

Time and time again,

As she restlessly paced the hallway,

She would try the knob.

Her Daddy always responded with the same words.

One day she could stand it no longer,

And sliding to the floor

With her back against the door

She cried out, “Daddy, where are you?

What are you doing in there?

I can’t stand it out here!”

His voice came through the door.

“Dear child, I am right here.

I listen to your every word

And your every tear as I work.

You are learning many things, my child.

But why do you pace to and fro

Endlessly tiring yourself?

I have put a chair in the hallway for you,

So you can relax and patiently wait.

I am almost done preparing

This new, wonderful room just for you.

And remember, I am right here, Daughter.

Let the sounds of my working

Lull you to a gentle rest

I am eagerly waiting for the time

When I can take your hand

And show you all I have prepared for you.”

Her Daddy’s words soothed the girl

and she climbed onto the chair,

Resting patiently, listening to her Daddy

As he worked to prepare something new

Just for her.

So yeah. Since I can't totally describe it all, I guess that's what I have at the moment on the subject. The good thing about being in the "to" is that a "glory" comes after. Amen!

P.S. If you want to read some great blog posts on this topic, here are a couple of links:
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