From Intimacy to Impact: Living a Life That Reveals His Glory

This Sunday at Myrtle House Community Church, Bill and Ellen Chapman brought together the heart of our Growing Together series, showing how each area—Belonging, Discipleship, Leadership, Mission, and Prayer—flows into one another to form a powerful, Spirit-led life.

At the centre of the message was the story of Lazarus in John 11, a deeply moving account of grief, faith, and the glory of God revealed in unexpected ways. Through this story, we see not only the compassion of Jesus but also His intentional leadership and purpose in every moment.

When Lazarus fell ill, Jesus didn’t rush to respond. Instead, He paused. This delay can feel uncomfortable to us, especially in moments of pain or uncertainty, but we are reminded that God’s timing always carries purpose. Even in the waiting, He is working. What seemed like absence was actually preparation for a greater revelation of His power and glory.

In this moment of tension and grief, Jesus was discipling those around Him—His followers, Mary, and Martha. He was teaching them to trust beyond what they could see, drawing them into a deeper understanding of who He is: the resurrection and the life. Sometimes, the most profound growth in our faith happens not in ease, but in the moments we don’t fully understand.

We also see leadership in action. Jesus leads His disciples into a difficult situation, showing them that leadership often requires courage, trust, and obedience. It’s not always comfortable, but it is always purposeful. As followers of Jesus, we are not just called to be observers—we are called to be participants, instruments of truth, and carriers of His presence.

Out of intimacy with the Father, seen in Jesus’ prayer before raising Lazarus, comes mission. When Jesus calls Lazarus out of the grave, it becomes a powerful witness to those around Him. Many believed because of what they saw. This is the pattern for our lives too: when we walk closely with God, stepping in obedience to His leading, our lives naturally point others to Him.

Mission isn’t something we force—it flows from a life surrendered to God. As we stay in step with the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves in moments where God uses us to reveal His love, His power, and His truth to others.

This message reminds us that our journey with God is not made up of isolated parts. Prayer leads to intimacy. Intimacy shapes mission. Mission requires leadership. Leadership builds disciples. And discipleship creates a deep sense of belonging.

As we continue to grow together, may we be people who trust God in the waiting, follow Him in obedience, and step boldly into the moments He places before us—knowing that He is always working for His glory and for the good of those who believe.

Because when we trust Him fully, we become part of a story that reveals Him to the world.