The Glory of God Can Destroy You If There Is No Character and Stamina
As believers, we long to encounter the Glory of God in our lives. We crave the intimate, tangible experience of His presence—feeling His nearness, sensing His power, and being transformed by His love. But the Glory of God is not something to take lightly. It is a divine force, powerful beyond comprehension, and it can be a force for both transformation and destruction, depending on our ability to receive it.
In this article, we will explore the complex relationship between God’s Glory, character, and stamina. We will discuss why the Glory that is meant to uplift can, in some cases, overwhelm and destroy if the foundation of our hearts and spirits is not prepared. Whether you are a seasoned believer, a pastor, or someone hungry for a deeper encounter with God, this article will provide you with the necessary insight to prepare for the Glory of God in your life.
The Weight of God’s Glory: More Than Just a Presence
God’s Glory is not just a feeling or a mere encounter—it is an overwhelming and powerful presence that reveals God’s nature and majesty. It is a sacred manifestation of His holiness and sovereignty. The Bible presents God’s Glory in many forms, from a cloud that filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11) to the dazzling light that blinded Saul on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:3). His Glory carries weight—a weight that is both divine and transformative.
But with great weight comes great responsibility. God’s Glory is not something to be casually approached, nor is it something that can be experienced without the right preparation. The same Glory that brings healing and breakthrough can, if mishandled, lead to destruction. This is why we must develop character and stamina to withstand its full impact.
Character: The Foundation for Handling the Glory
When God’s Glory is revealed, it can be both humbling and convicting. For many believers, it is the moments of His Glory that expose the deepest parts of our hearts. Character is the foundation that allows us to carry God’s Glory without being overwhelmed. It is the internal structure that keeps us grounded and aligned with God’s purposes.
To handle the Glory of God, we must have a character that reflects His nature. Character is more than simply avoiding sin—it is the essence of living a life in obedience to God’s Word. It is built on the virtues of humility, patience, kindness, integrity, and self-control. As we grow in our character, we become more capable of carrying God’s Glory and less susceptible to being overwhelmed by its weight.
Without godly character, God’s Glory becomes like fire to a dry tree—it will burn, destroy, and leave nothing behind. When we try to carry God’s Glory without integrity or purity, we become vessels that cannot withstand its intensity, resulting in spiritual destruction.
Stamina: Spiritual Endurance to Withstand His Glory
Stamina refers to the strength to endure long-term, and in a spiritual context, it is the endurance required to carry God’s Glory consistently and effectively. The Glory of God is not a one-time encounter but a continuous, enduring presence. To experience God’s Glory in its fullness, one must have the spiritual stamina to not only bear the weight but also to remain steadfast and faithful under its power.
Just as an athlete builds physical endurance to run a marathon, a believer must build spiritual stamina. This stamina comes from consistent prayer, worship, and fasting, alongside a life devoted to God’s Word. It is developed over time as you build resilience against trials and setbacks. Without stamina, even the most profound experience of God’s Glory can cause spiritual fatigue, discouragement, and burnout.
For example, consider the experience of Elijah. After experiencing the tremendous display of God’s Glory on Mount Carmel, Elijah was left spiritually drained and emotionally overwhelmed. His stamina, both physically and spiritually, was tested when he fled to the wilderness, feeling defeated and isolated (1 Kings 19:1-18). Even after encountering God’s Glory, Elijah needed strength, both in body and spirit, to continue in God’s purpose.
The Destructive Power of God’s Glory Without Character and Stamina
If we fail to develop godly character and stamina, the Glory of God will not produce the fruit of transformation but will instead become destructive. We see this in the case of King Uzziah, who, in 2 Chronicles 26, arrogantly entered the temple to offer incense—a task meant only for the priests. He lacked the character of humility and the stamina to endure God’s Glory, and as a result, he was struck with leprosy.
This serves as a stark warning: when we approach God’s Glory without proper preparation, we risk being spiritually and emotionally consumed. The Glory of God exposes everything in our hearts—both the good and the bad. If we are not spiritually ready to receive it, we will be destroyed by it.
Similarly, in the New Testament, we see Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, who lied to the Holy Spirit about the amount of money they had given. They were struck dead immediately. Their lack of integrity and honesty was revealed in the presence of God’s Glory, and they paid the ultimate price for their deception.
How to Prepare Your Heart and Spirit to Encounter His Glory
If we are to carry the Glory of God in our lives, we must undergo a process of preparation. Below are practical steps to help you develop the character and stamina necessary to experience God’s Glory without being destroyed by it.
- Pursue Holiness: Holiness is the key to drawing near to God. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Pursue purity in thought, word, and deed. Live a life that reflects God’s moral and spiritual nature.
- Develop Godly Character: Character is developed by living in alignment with God’s Word. Strive to embody the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Build Spiritual Stamina: Stamina is built through consistent prayer, fasting, and engaging with God’s Word. Strengthen your spirit to endure trials and remain steadfast in your faith.
- Stay Humble: Approach God’s Glory with humility. Acknowledge that God is sovereign, and we are His vessels. Without humility, the Glory of God will become a tool for pride and destruction.
- Obey God’s Word: Obedience is the pathway to receiving God’s Glory. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience aligns you with God’s will and prepares your heart to receive His Glory.
- Stay Committed: The process of preparing to carry God’s Glory is ongoing. Commit to a life of worship, prayer, and obedience. It is not a one-time encounter, but a continual walk with God.
Conclusion: The Glory of God Awaits You
God’s Glory is a powerful force that can transform your life, elevate your spirit, and empower you to fulfill your divine calling. However, without the proper preparation—character and stamina—it can overwhelm and destroy you. The good news is that God desires to reveal His Glory to those who are willing to prepare their hearts and minds.
Are you ready to experience God’s Glory? Are you willing to prepare yourself by cultivating godly character and building spiritual stamina? If so, take the necessary steps today to align yourself with His will.
Call to Action: If you’re ready to experience the tangible presence of God and unlock the mysteries of His Glory, visit www.holyspiritencounters.com today. Sign up for exclusive resources and insights that will help you grow in your faith and prepare your heart for a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit.
