Simmering in the Spirit

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. 2 Corinthians 3:18

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” Mr. Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

Dear friends,

Tea is one of my favorite indulgences. The minute I sit with a fragrant cup o’ chamomile, my spirit slips into satisfaction. Contentment consumes me. Though it may be storming outside, my soul is satisfied.

I believe the blessing of tea teaches us the gift of waiting. If you’re hankering for some ice water or chocolate milk or heaven forbid, a soda, you simply reach into the icebox and are quickly gratified. Not so for a tasty cup of tea. The leaves need to steep. To sit a spell. The delicate flowers must saturate and suffuse their essence. A cup o’ tea requires patience. This process toward perfection resembles our own.

Consider 2 Corinthians 3:18 for a moment. 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.

Slowly, one small step at a time, we are being transformed into His image. Ain’t that somethin’… We’re simmering in the Holy spirit. Just like my cup o’ Mint Medley, it’s hot water that transforms my beverage into a savory celebration.

Do you find yourself troubled today? Is there a circumstance that concerns you? Are you feeling defeated in your resolution to improve your food and fitness? Brother James offers insight: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) Whether we like to admit it or not, the Spirit simmers us into sanctification by allowing us to get ourselves into hot water. It’s when the world has turned up the heat that we most tightly tether ourselves to our Lord. Unfortunately, we tend to rely on Him most when circumstances are worst. And that communion ignites transformation. We slowly saturate and suffuse His essence. Transformed into the same image, from one degree of glory to another. God is changing you through challenges, saints. Glory Hallelulia!

So next time you find yourself in turmoil, celebrate that you’re simmering toward sanctification. When you’re hankering to eat something unhelpful, or you’re teetering toward temptation to bail out on your exercise, consider the moment an opportunity to simmer in the Spirit. Bow your head and say a prayer of thanksgiving. “Thank You, Lord, that you love me enough to transform me into Your image from one degree of glory to another. I’m feeling the heat right now. I’m sweating this sweet temptation. Father, calm this storm. Infuse me with courage to turn from this enticement, for only by Your Spirit will I be truly transformed. Turn Thou me, that I might be turned. (Jeremiah 31:18) Thank You, Lord, for another glorious step forward. You are making me perfect and complete, that I might lack nothing.”

Live Well,

Grace