From Glory to Glory: Becoming Unstuck in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Progressive transformation into Christ's likeness, glory to glory.

When a person turns to Jesus the inside work is done and the lifelong process of sanctification begins; you are being transformed from one degree of glory to another as you behold the Lord, so press into practices that let His radiance reshape your thoughts, motives, and choices rather than expecting instantaneous perfection. [35:18]

2 Corinthians 3:16–18 (ESV)
16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Reflection: What one inward habit will you begin today to help you behold the Lord more clearly (for example, five minutes of silent reflection before Scripture each morning)? Commit to doing it daily for seven days and tell one person to hold you accountable.

Day 2: Do not lose heart; persevere in ministry.

God has given each believer a ministry and a purpose; despite opposition, discouragement, or the daily drumbeat of negative news, refuse to lose heart by guarding your affections, choosing what you let into your mind, and focusing on the good God is doing so you remain effective for the work He has entrusted to you. [51:56]

2 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

Reflection: Identify one social media account, news source, or habit that consistently brings you down; unsubscribe or mute it today and replace that time by intentionally reading or listening to one encouraging Christian story or testimony.

Day 3: Holy Spirit indwells and helps us daily.

The Lord has given the Holy Spirit to dwell with and in believers as a present helper and guide; when you quiet yourself and listen the Spirit will prompt words, prayers, or simple acts of love that display God's glory and open doors to minister to others—be attentive and obey those promptings. [01:00:55]

John 14:16–17 (ESV)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Reflection: Spend five minutes of silence today asking the Holy Spirit to guide one interaction (a conversation, a decision, or an outreach); then act on the first clear prompting you receive before the end of the day.

Day 4: Press on toward the upward call of God.

No plateau exists in Christ—the Apostle Paul modeled pressing on regardless of past success or failure—so intentionally forget what hinders you, reach forward in faith, and take the next step God is calling you to, trusting that opportunities may be bigger than you but He is greater than the challenge. [50:12]

Philippians 3:12–14 (ESV)
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Name one area where you feel stuck; write down one concrete next step you will take this week (a phone call, a meeting, a signup, a volunteer shift) and do it—report back to a friend or a leader when you complete it.

Day 5: Hide God's word in your heart.

Being consumed with Scripture—reading, memorizing, meditating, and speaking it—arms you against the enemy, shapes your speech and decisions, and equips the Holy Spirit to bring God’s truth to mind at key moments; make Scripture personal so it becomes the weapon and guide that advances you from glory to glory. [01:10:11]

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Reflection: Choose one verse to memorize this week, write it on a card you carry, speak it aloud three times today when temptation or discouragement arises, and note where and when you used it each day.

Sermon Summary

Today we walked through the very real tension of a joyful holiday season that also exposes grief, longing, and the nagging sense that life can get stuck. God’s heart is not stagnation; it’s transformation. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:16–18 frame this: when we turn to the Lord, the veil lifts, liberty comes, and we are transformed into Christ’s image from glory to glory. This is progressive—not instant. Salvation makes us new on the inside; sanctification is the Spirit’s ongoing work catching the outside up to the inside. I shared my own early missteps after coming to Christ because growth is often humble and uneven, yet God is patient and faithful.

We saw Gideon called “mighty man of valor” while hiding, and Peter move from empty nets to preaching at Pentecost. God delights to start small, and He doesn’t shelf anyone—especially in later years. He keeps inviting us into assignments bigger than we are so that His strength is unmistakable. That’s why there’s no plateau in the Christian life; even Paul pressed on for more.

We then named four keys for partnering with God’s transforming work. First, do not lose heart. Guard your heart against the constant pull of negativity, and practice rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude in the storm. Second, partner with the Holy Spirit. The Helper is not just with us but in us; learn to listen and obey His simple nudges in everyday moments. Third, pray without ceasing. Hidden intercession tills the ground for public breakthrough—Jesus modeled this, and history confirms it. Fourth, be consumed with the Word—read, memorize, meditate, and speak it. God’s Word is fire, hammer, and sword; it renews the mind, resists the enemy, and reshapes our responses.

Wherever you feel stuck, there is another level of glory. Step toward it: don’t lose heart, keep in step with the Spirit, pray often, and wield the Word. God’s patience is strong, His assignments carry eternal weight, and His presence is enough for the next step.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation is progressive, not instant Becoming like Jesus unfolds over time, not in a single moment. The veil lifts at conversion, but sanctification is the Spirit’s steady work as our outer life aligns with the new heart within. Expect growth to come in layers—God’s glory is revealed as we keep beholding Him. Small, faithful steps compound into deep change. [35:18]
2. Do not lose heart Discouragement is often the enemy’s first tactic to neutralize calling. Guard your heart from the drip of negativity and reframe your attention toward what is pure, lovely, and of good report. Practicing rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude is not denial; it’s spiritual clarity that keeps your footing in headwinds. Perseverance positions you for harvest “in due season.” [51:56]
3. Partner closely with the Holy Spirit The Spirit is not a concept; He is a Person living within you. Learn His tone, follow His prompts, and expect Him to turn ordinary moments into holy assignments. As you obey small nudges, capacity and courage grow—and God’s glory becomes visible in simple, surprising ways. Presence precedes power; communion fuels courage. [60:01]
4. Pray persistently; heaven moves quietly Before public fruit, there is usually hidden intercession. Jesus prioritized prayer, and history shows that ground is won in the secret place long before crowds gather. Pray specific, consistent prayers for people, places, and leaders, and trust the Father who sees in secret to reward openly. Intercession is the furnace that sustains awakening. [65:12]
5. Wield Scripture as living weapon Don’t just read the Word—memorize it, meditate on it, and speak it into real situations. Scripture renews imagination, confronts deception, and pushes back darkness with truth. When your house, mind, or circumstances feel contested, say what God says until it reshapes what you see. The Word is fire, hammer, and sword—use it. [69:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:45] - Thanksgiving gratitude and Christmas hope
[33:40] - When life feels stuck
[35:18] - Unveiled faces: from glory to glory
[36:31] - Moses’ veil vs. New Covenant
[38:29] - New creation, ongoing sanctification
[39:43] - My early failure and grace
[40:49] - Gideon and Peter: humble beginnings
[45:41] - No one shelved—calling in later years
[49:29] - There is no plateau
[51:56] - Key 1: Do not lose heart
[60:01] - Key 2: Partner with the Holy Spirit
[65:12] - Key 3: Pray without ceasing
[69:29] - Key 4: Consume and wield the Word
[76:34] - Altars open: step into next glory

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading (ESV)
- 2 Corinthians 3:16–18
16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Observation questions (3–4)

In 2 Corinthians 3:16–18, what two results happen “when one turns to the Lord”? What does Paul mean by “veiled” versus “unveiled” in this passage?
Verse 17 says “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” What kind of freedom is being described — spiritual, moral, relational, or something else? Give a concrete example from your life or the sermon that illustrates this freedom.
The preacher used Gideon as an example of someone called “a mighty man of valor” while hiding in fear. How does that story help you see God’s pattern of starting small and growing people into their calling? [40:49]
The sermon emphasized that transformation is progressive (it begins inwardly and the outside catches up). Where in your life do you see evidence of the “inside” change? Where do you still see the “outside” catching up? [35:18]

Interpretation questions (3–4)

Paul says believers are “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” What does that process imply about God’s pace and methods for change (instant vs. ongoing)? How does that fit with the preacher’s phrase “salvation makes us new on the inside; sanctification catches the outside up”? [50:12]
The sermon warned believers not to lose heart as part of partnering with God. Why would discouragement be the enemy’s primary tactic to block spiritual growth, and how does Paul link perseverance to future harvest? [51:56]
The text ends “For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” How should that shape the church’s view of personal effort versus dependence on the Holy Spirit in everyday obedience and growth? [01:00:01]
The preacher said hidden prayer tills the ground for public breakthrough (Daniel Nash example). How should we interpret the relationship between secret intercession and visible revival or fruit? What expectations and patience are required? [01:05:12]

Application questions (5–7)

Identify one area where you currently feel “stuck” (work, relationship, habit, calling). Which of the four keys from the sermon — (1) do not lose heart, (2) partner with the Spirit, (3) pray persistently, (4) wield the Word — will you choose to focus on this week? What is one specific action you will take in the next seven days? [51:56]
The preacher encouraged listening for the Holy Spirit’s nudges in ordinary moments. Name one ordinary place (store, workplace, neighborhood, online) where you can be more attentive to the Spirit this week. What is a simple, concrete step you will take the next time you are there? [01:00:01]
Pick one person, place, or leader you will intercede for every day this week. Be specific: what will you pray for them to experience (salvation, healing, wisdom, provision)? When will you pray (time of day) and how will you track that commitment? [01:05:12]
Choose one short Scripture to memorize and speak over a current situation (for example: Psalm 23:1–3, Philippians 4:6–7, or a verse that fits your need). Which verse will you memorize, and when/how will you practice saying it aloud this week? How will you let that verse shape your response when anxiety or negativity comes? [01:09:29]
The sermon used Gideon and Peter as examples of humble starts that led to large assignments. Think of a “small” step of service you can take within the next month (volunteer at a ministry, invite a neighbor to coffee, join an outreach). What step will you take, and how will you rely on God when the opportunity feels bigger than you? [40:49]
The preacher warned about the drip of negativity from news and social media. What is one practical change you will make to guard your heart this month (limit apps, unsubscribe from a news feed, add a daily gratitude practice)? How will you replace that time or attention with something that builds your faith? [54:17]

Sermon Clips

``God himself is calling Gideon a mighty man of valor long before he was. And God had a plan to rescue the Israelites. And his plan was to use Gideon as he brought him from glory to glory. The story goes on that God whittled down Gideon's army from 32,000 men to 300 men. And he gave Gideon victory with that 300 men over an army of 135,000. God was doing the impossible through Gideon as he brought him from glory to glory. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen? He works with us through our humble beginnings. [00:42:04] (43 seconds) #CalledAMightyMan

God has something for each one of us to do as we partner with him. Something with eternal significance. All of, if you're a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have something to give. You have value, you have worth, you have something to give that has eternal significance. You're not stuck. And I'll say this too. Oftentimes the opportunities he brings us as we step out in faith are bigger than what we are. That's a good thing because greater is he that's in us than he that's in the world. [00:48:06] (32 seconds) #EternalPurpose

Your history with God bringing you from glory to glory may be the stepping stone to bring someone else to their next level of glory. I wrote this down too. There is no plateau that you can reach where there isn't another level of glory to be attained. I'll say that again. There is no plateau that you can reach where there isn't another level of glory to be attained. The transformation from glory to glory will continue until the day we go home. [00:48:56] (30 seconds) #NoPlateauToGlory

Even when the storms of life hit us, we can purpose in our hearts to not lose heart. God will use those storms to bring us to the next level of glory. He works all things together for our good, right? Those that love him and are called according to his purpose. So even the storms of life, we have God's promise. In Galatians 6, 9, we read that, and let us not grow weary while doing good. For in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart. [00:57:22] (32 seconds) #ReapInDueSeason

Acknowledging that the Holy Spirit is with us and in us to help us grow from glory to glory is so vitally important. We're not alone. No matter what your feelings or circumstances say. And the Apostle Paul in the next chapter, 2 Corinthians 4, verse 7, says that we have this treasure in earthen vessels. I think sometimes we gloss that over, but to think that the God of all creation would take up residence in us in person of the Holy Spirit is so amazing. Such a precious gift. [01:00:01] (35 seconds) #HolySpiritWithin

God wants to use us in every area of our lives. His Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us in all truth. I love what Debbie does sometimes when we're in a store, the grocery store and you know, we're going through the cashier and paying for all the groceries and she'll buy an extra candy bar and just before we leave she'll grab the candy bar out of the bag and tell the cashier, here, this is for you. God loves you. You're special. Right? It's just something simple but something simple will make an impact in somebody and it'll help you go from glory to glory. [01:03:46] (32 seconds) #EverydayMinistry

As we spend time with the Lord in prayer, He reveals His will and the steps we need to take to complete the current level of glory so that we can go on to the next one. It's through that constant communication with the Lord. Jesus modeled it for us over and over. He also prioritized it for us. And over and over in Scripture we read how Jesus got up early and prayed to the Father. Right? And several times we see critical decisions being made after He spent that time with the Father like selecting His disciples. [01:04:56] (34 seconds) #PrayLikeJesus

The impact of prayer cannot be understated. Young and old, as we commit ourselves and make ourselves available to God to be used as he sees fit, he'll bring us from glory to glory to a level of glory that not only changes us but one that greatly impacts others, which is his plan and purpose for our lives, all of us. [01:08:29] (23 seconds) #PrayerChangesLives

The fourth and final key that I want to mention this morning regarding partnering with God in allowing his transforming power to change us from glory to glory is to be consumed with his word. This is so vitally important. You know, I'm talking on keys here and I'm just touching base on them. We can speak probably weeks on the importance of some of these points here but when I talk about just being consumed with his word, I'm saying not just reading but memorizing, meditating, and speaking God's word. That'll transform us, it'll change us. [01:08:52] (37 seconds) #ConsumeTheWord

We have his word to say what he says, which will accomplish what he said it would and it won't return void. We need to call those things that be not as though they were. He spoke his word into existence, spoke to the winds and waves, spoke to blind eyes and deaf ears with his word. I heard this said the other day, your words are not just nice, they're nuclear in the spirit. It's life and death and the power of the tongue. And as we speak God's word, power transcends because it's God's word. [01:11:53] (37 seconds) #SpeakGodsWord

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