But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (II Corinthians 3:18-4:1)

One of the privileges of a believer is the opportunity to behold in the pages of the Scripture the outshining attributes of our Great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we behold Him we are transfigured into His same image from one never-fading glory unto another. Every believer should constantly strive to bring and then maintain his soul in such a condition that he is continually beholding, thereby continually being changed.

One byproduct of this feasting on the Bread of Life is strength for the labor of His service. Note the therefore in 4:1 – because we have this glorious ministry (the ministry of the Spirit, 2 Cor 3) and as we have received mercy we do not faint (grow in discouragement, lose heart, or lose enthusiasm).

I have found in personal experience, both as pilgrim and laborer in the Lord’s harvest, that I have been the most disheartened when I have left the joy of beholding … the glory of the Lord and turned my eyes unto the problem; from unseen things to the seen. When I have been most entangled in the affairs of this life my service for our Lord has been empty and not fulfilling. A wise pastor once told me that no man can get fulfillment of soul from anything under the sun, even from the ministry. We must get our soul’s satisfaction from Him who is above the sun, the risen Lord.

Turn your eyes unto Jesus this day. He will strengthen; yea, He will bring joy unspeakable and full of glory! He will become your meat and drink.