Promotion and Potential

"No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." Psalm 75:6-7. Often, as humans, we ask other people what their occupation is. When they answer, sometimes we imply by our attitude that they should want a higher position than what they have. It's ok to believe God for a greater position or more responsibility. But, it is also equally acceptable to stay in the position we are in if that is where we feel God wants us. God can enable us to fill a position and do a job that, in the natural world, we are not qualified for. However, there are some insecure people who think they can gain worth and value through a higher position. They step out on their own without God's leading, their motive is wrong so it all falls apart. It is very unwise to try to get a position that God is not giving to us. We can work in the flesh and make things happen, but we will never be at peace with the results. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6. God only does things in our lives when He knows we are truly ready. Set high goals in your life, but let your focus be on doing the very best you can where you are right now, knowing that if and when God wants to promote you, He is well able to do so. "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines." 1 Corinthians 12:11. Gifts and talents are distributed by the Holy Spirit according to the grace that is on each person to handle them. If we only have one gift while someone else has five talents, it doesn't mean that God is displeased with us. However, He does not like it if we do not develop the one gift we do have. Ten of the Hebrew spies sent to scout out the Promised Land looked only at their limitations, whereas the other two looked at their potential. Then looked at giants and two looked at God. If you are going to like yourself, if you are going to succeed at being yourself, you are going to have to focus on your potential, what God has created you to be, not on your limitations.