fleeting

How is it that in the midst of all this, when I'm overcome by these feelings of wonder at all that God is, that seemingly five minutes later I'm back to my petty thoughts and concerns and selfish attitudes? Clearly God's glory is not fleeting or transitory; rather, this reminds me how flawed and imperfect I am.

I'm like the ground that receives the seed among thorns, or the disciplines asleep in the garden on the verge of the central event in the history of creation. Amazingly (and amazingly, here comes the sense of awe again!), somehow God is able to use our weaknesses for His glory.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:21

How is it that God is able to take these times of weakness and use them for His glory? They humble us and remind us of our sinfulness and dependance on Him. John the Baptist understood that we exist for His glory, not our own: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30. When we have been reminded of our inadequacy, we have no choice but to attribute our triumphs to Him, and thus He is glorified!