Returning from South Africa, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness to restore and renew, even in places and seasons we’d rather avoid. Through encounters with faithful leaders and friends who have endured great hardship yet continue to radiate Christ’s joy and strength, I was deeply challenged about what it means to truly manifest the glory of God in our lives. Isaiah 60 calls us to “arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” This is not a distant promise, but a present reality for every believer. God’s abundance and honor are not just spoken over us—they are meant to be seen, actively visible in our lives, especially in seasons of lack or difficulty.
Jesus affirms in Matthew 5 that we are the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. The world is not changed by what we say, but by what we manifest. The glory of God is not just something that rests upon us; Jesus has given us His glory, His very nature, to be revealed through us. The challenge is not a lack of resource, but a lack of use. Too often, we forget what God has spoken or given, and we settle for waiting, for delay, for another word, rather than activating what we already have.
We are in a season where heaven is interrupting our waiting room. The time of delay is over; God is hastening His promises. This requires us to declare what He has already said, to walk as if it is already happening, and to break agreement with old narratives of disappointment or disqualification. Our obedience and activation are not just about our own stories, but about releasing blessing and influence to others, even to nations.
Leadership is not about position but about influence and discipleship. Every one of us is called to lead, to disciple, to gather others and bring them into what God is doing. This may look different in this season—through new expressions of small groups, through practical service, or through gathering around shared passions. The key is to arise and shine now, not later, and to believe that God’s glory is meant to be seen in and through us today.
Isaiah 60:1-3, 22 (ESV) — > 1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,
> and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
> 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
> and thick darkness the peoples;
> but the Lord will arise upon you,
> and his glory will be seen upon you.
> 3 And nations shall come to your light,
> and kings to the brightness of your rising.
> 22 The least one shall become a clan,
> and the smallest one a mighty nation;
> I am the Lord;
> in its time I will hasten it.
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) — > 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
> 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
> 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
John 17:22 (ESV) — > 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.
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