Glory in the Changing – Sarah Jakes Roberts

Glory in the Changing Discovering God in Transition

Today’s message is rooted in the Bible, specifically Book of Exodus chapter 31. The theme is: “Glory in the Changing.”

To understand this passage, we must first look at the context. Moses has led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness. This journey is not easy it is filled with uncertainty, challenges, and moments of disconnection between the people and God.

In the middle of this, God gives Moses a divine assignment: to build the tabernacle a physical representation of His presence among His people. This was not just construction; it was spiritual architecture.

God Equips Those He Calls

In Exodus 31, God identifies specific individuals for this task, including Bezalel. Scripture tells us that God filled him with His Spirit granting wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill.

This is significant because it marks the first time in Scripture where someone is described as being filled with the Spirit of God for creative work.

The lesson is clear:
God does not just call you He equips you.

Whatever assignment God gives you, He also provides the ability, resources, and insight needed to fulfill it.

Seeing Differently: The Power of Perspective

One of the biggest challenges in life is not what we face it’s how we see it.

Imagine looking at an image that could be interpreted in two different ways. Some people see one thing, others see something completely different. The image hasn’t changed only perception has.

This illustrates a powerful truth:
Two people can experience the same situation but interpret it differently.

What matters most is not your initial reaction, but your ability to see differently over time.

Cognitive Flexibility: A Key to Spiritual Growth

Growth requires what we might call cognitive flexibility the ability to shift your thinking and adapt to change.

Instead of longing for how things used to be, we must learn how to function effectively in the present.

God does not change but seasons do.

If we are going to walk with God, we must remain flexible enough to recognize that:

• God may move differently than before
• Life may not look like we expected
• Change is part of the process

And yet, God’s faithfulness remains constant.

Healing Begins in the Mind

Many people believe healing means never struggling again but true healing is recognizing unhealthy thought patterns and choosing to replace them.

We all have a default way of thinking a mental pattern shaped by past experiences, pain, or fear. But not every thought we have aligns with truth.

That’s why Scripture teaches us in Second Epistle to the Corinthians 10:4–5 to “take every thought captive.”

This means:

• Not every thought deserves your agreement
• Not every idea should shape your identity
• You have authority over your mind

You are not responsible for every thought that enters your mind but you are responsible for what you allow to stay.

Winning the Battle in Your Mind

Life is a battlefield and often, the greatest battles happen internally.

When negative or limiting thoughts arise, you must confront them with truth.

Instead of thinking:

• “I’m not enough” → Replace it with God’s promise of provision
• “I can’t do this” → Declare God’s strength working through you

Your words carry power. When you speak truth, you shift the atmosphere not just around you, but within you.

Repentance: A Change of Mind

True repentance is not just feeling sorry it is changing the way you think.

When your thinking aligns with God’s truth:

• Your behavior begins to change
• Your perspective becomes clearer
• Your life starts to transform

Transformation begins in the mind, not in outward appearance.

Knowing God for Yourself

It is not enough to know God through someone else. At some point, your faith must become personal.

The Epistle to the Hebrews teaches that anyone who comes to God must believe that He is—and that He rewards those who seek Him.

This means:

• You must believe in who God is
• You must trust His character
• You must seek Him for yourself

When you truly know God, your confidence in Him becomes unshakable.

God Was There All Along

Sometimes we look back on difficult seasons and wonder where God was.

But with spiritual clarity, we begin to see:

• He was protecting us
• He was guiding us
• He was sustaining us

Even when we didn’t recognize it, God was present.