“For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another.” Ps 75:6-7
Everything God does in our live is to prepare us for promotion. The parable of the talents illustrates this. Jesus also taught that God promotes those who are faithful in little things, faithful in handling finances, and faithful in that which is another’s. Whether we are talking about our personal lives, our local church, or our international movement – when we are ready, God has a promotion prepared. Knowing this does several things:
1. It gives us a fresh perspective on everyday life. It gives new purpose to otherwise routine or challenging situations. When we know that there is a promotion awaiting us, we are all the more diligent in even the small and insignificant things. Joseph’s patient management of suffering and injustice earned him promotion after promotion.
2. It makes our purpose palpable. No more someday pie-in-the-sky. No more waiting for your lucky break or your ship to come in! Yes, God has a great plan for your life, but it starts right here, right now! What I do today at work, at home, at school – will have immediate bearing on where God takes me tomorrow. My actions today will open new doors tomorrow. David’s care in shepherding his father’s flock eventually opened the doors to the royal palace.
3. It lends a new motivation to prayer. Daniel’s refusal to stop praying took him from the pit to the peak. No matter what you pray about, or who you pray for, the greatest benefactor of prayer is you! While you spend time working things through with God, day after day, God is at work preparing you for bigger things. He is molding your character and fine tuning your attitudes, and when you are ready he suddenly lifts you to new levels of authority, power, and blessing!