Walking in the Reality of God’s Glory: Embracing Growth in 2026

As we step into a new year, filled with fresh promises and divine opportunities, it’s essential to reflect on how God’s glory manifests in our lives. Inspired by Bishop David Abioye’s powerful message from the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, let’s explore what it means to walk in the reality of God’s glory—not as a static experience, but as a dynamic journey of growth and advancement.

The Nature of God’s Glory: It’s Meant to Grow

Scripture reminds us that God’s glory is transformative and progressive. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV), we read: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” This “ever-increasing glory” isn’t accidental; it’s intentional, much like how every living thing in creation evolves through stages.

Bishop Abioye beautifully illustrates this with everyday examples from nature. Just as yams, cassavas, oranges, mangos, and potatoes grow to varying sizes based on the fertility of the soil, the glory of God in a believer’s life expands when the conditions are right. Glory doesn’t remain stagnant—it’s designed to mature, increase, and propel us forward. You wouldn’t stay in “Class 1” of glory when God is beckoning you to “Class 2” or beyond. Nor should you enter a new season, like 2026, clinging to the measures that sufficed in 2025.

Think about it: in school, we progress from one grade to the next, graduating to higher levels of understanding and capability. Similarly, our spiritual journey demands advancement. What sustained you last year—perhaps a routine prayer life or familiar habits—may not contain the greater things God has in store. As John 14:12 (NIV) promises, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

Creating the Right Environment for Glory to Flourish

So, how do we position ourselves for this growth? Bishop Abioye emphasizes that glory grows where the atmosphere is conducive, the soil is fertile, the environment is prepared, and the hunger is sustained. It’s not something we stumble into; we must intentionally cultivate it.

1. Create Space: Make room in your life for God’s glory to expand. This might mean decluttering distractions, letting go of old mindsets, or dedicating more time to spiritual disciplines. As in Psalm 24:7 (NIV), “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” Open the doors of your heart wider.

2. Create Atmosphere: Foster an environment of faith, worship, and obedience. Surround yourself with uplifting community, immerse in God’s Word, and cultivate a lifestyle of praise. The “ground ingredients”—your daily choices and spiritual soil—determine the harvest. Fertile ground yields abundant growth, as seen in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.

3. Create Hunger: Sustain a deep, unrelenting desire for more of God. Proverbs 27:7 (NIV) says, “One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” Spiritual hunger drives us to seek higher realms, ensuring we don’t settle for yesterday’s manna when fresh revelation awaits.

Glory responds to prepared vessels, as 2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV) states: “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” Are you preparing yourself as a vessel ready for greater glory?

Stepping into Greater Glory in 2026

Don’t live in the glory of the past when God is calling you to greater dimensions this year. What worked before won’t suffice for what’s next. As we embrace 2026, let’s commit to growing into the fullness of God’s plan. This isn’t just about personal elevation; it’s about becoming effective conquerors in His kingdom, impacting lives and advancing His purposes.

Reflect on your own journey: Where has God’s glory been evident in your life? What steps can you take today to create the space, atmosphere, and hunger for more? Pray with me: “Lord, help me to walk in the reality of Your ever-increasing glory. Prepare my heart as fertile soil, and lead me into greater things for Your name’s sake. Amen.”

For more insights, follow Bishop David Abioye on X (@BishopDOAbioye) and join the Conquerors Global Assembly community. May this year be your season of unprecedented growth in God’s glory!

This blog post is inspired by Bishop David Abioye’s message shared on X. All glory to God.