I’ll never forget the day God pulled back the curtains on John 3:27. John is in a discussion with his disciples, and they were complaining that everybody was following Jesus and John was basically “losing his ministry.” As only a true spiritual father can do, John looked at his students and said:
“A man can receive nothing unless it be given to him from heaven.” (John 3:27 NKJV)
Wow. What a word. Especially in a church world that has gone absolutely crazy over being found and becoming famous. The modern term is “being an influencer.”
Desiring promotion is not wrong. It’s a natural process we go through in increase and growth in our lives. But when that desire to be found and promoted begins to consume it, it will make you crazy. Your flesh will kick in, and you will begin to act like a moron to get what you think you desire out of life…
And out of ministry.
Don’t get sideways with God because promotion has not come how you thought it should!
If promotion has not come into your life yet, ask yourself the following questions (and be honest):
- Is it really God’s timing for this?
To everything, there is a time, and for everything, there is a season. Ecclesiastes 3:1.Â
Psalms 75:6,7: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
I like to say that when the timing of God kisses your promise, your destiny will come!
2. Maybe I’m not really qualified for the promotion I am seeking.
Or, better yet, is this something my flesh thinks I deserve? Is what I’m asking God for His perfect will for my life? Or is it outside the measure of grace on my life?
An honest evaluation of your skill set can be a stepping stone to maturity.
You will never be promoted until you become overqualified for the current position.
3. Is there something in my character that is keeping me from promotion?
Is it because of a sin I continue to battle that God is actually keeping me from this…and from destroying me…and others?
God is more interested in our character than He is our comfort. That’s not easy to say. It’s not easy to write. But it’s the truth.
Let God bring the promotion to you. When He knows you are ready, it will come and no one can stop it.
Because this is HIS ministry, not ours.
