The path to promotion (II)

We said last week that it is very frustrating to be stuck at the same level. We also saw that promotion is not automatic though Scripture says we’ll be the head and not the tail. We looked at examples of people who made it to the top and began to look at the reasons for […]

We said last week that it is very frustrating to be stuck at the same level. We also saw that promotion is not automatic though Scripture says we’ll be the head and not the tail. We looked at examples of people who made it to the top and began to look at the reasons for their lifting. Here is more.

2. Wisdom. David said concerning Solomon whom he chose to succeed him in 1Kings 2:9, “…for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do…”  Joseph came with insight and foresight. Pharaoh said concerning him in Genesis 41:39, “…there is none so discrete and wise as thou art…” 

Joseph saw more than others saw; farther than others saw and before others saw. He was able to read the situation, trends, resources and people. The Bible says wisdom is profitable to direct.  Wisdom promotes, prospers and protects.

3. Correct focus: The king’s priority. He did not come to discuss his personal issues but the king’s priority. What do you discuss with the King in prayers? What is your passion?

Joseph was not promoted because he focused on meeting his own needs; he was promoted because he focused on meeting the needs of the king. Esther was not promoted because of her needs but because of the needs of the king. The king needed a queen. Esther was a smart girl: she depended on the king’s chamberlain for the things to use. After all she was not dressing to impress herself but the king. Joseph was not blessed because he had needs but because the king had needs. He was promoted to meet the needs of the king and his kingdom. He was promoted for the king’s purpose. 

Hannah was given a child because God needed a prophet. 

1Samuel 1:11, “And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.”

Joseph was promoted because of the interpretation and fulfilment of the dream of the king.

God has a dream- The salvation of all humanity; and all those who work and spend for the realisation of this dream ever get to be promoted by Him.

God will bless you or promote you only if it will benefit the kingdom. Those who live, work, give and pray for the expansion of the kingdom get promoted and blessed. God blesses those who surrender to Him. God puts money in the hands of those who are ready to make it available for use in the expansion of His kingdom. 

Define your purpose. 

A rich man was determined to give his mother a birthday present that would outshine all others. He read of a bird that had a vocabulary of 4000 words, could speak in numerous languages and sing 3 operatic arias. He immediately bought the bird for $50,000 and had it delivered to his mother. The next day he phoned to see if she had received the bird. “What did you think of the bird?” he asked. She replied, “It was delicious.”

She completely misunderstood the purpose of the precious bird. She abused or misused it; she killed it!Your purpose is the impact God desires to use you to make in your generation. This is the reason for your existence. You were not created to live for you but to influence others positively and make the world better.  

Joseph’s purpose was more than just becoming the Prime Minister in Egypt, it was to provide room for Israel to multiply in Egypt until they were ready to go and possess the Promised Land. His gift was the ability to interpret dreams. This gift brought him promotion; it brought him before the king of Egypt. Work in the area of your strength and you will rise.

But this is the point I don’t want you to miss: contrary to popular opinion, God’s favour does not operate at random; it is tied to His purpose for your life. God’s favour dries up the moment you step outside of His purpose for your life. The same David who was chosen ahead of his brothers did not escape the consequences of his adulterous behaviour when he began to abuse his subjects. Esther enjoyed uncommon favour because of the assignment she was chosen to fulfil.

Focus on your best qualities and give yourself a pat on the back! You are an exclusive brand! You are one and only!! Celebrate your difference; it is what makes you to be needed.

In 1Corinthians 3:10, Apostle Paul refers to himself as “a wise master builder.” Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. I am the Bread of life.”

Don’t die with your music still inside you.  Listen to your inner voice, find what really moves you, and then follow your passion. Joseph was an interpreter of dreams-he rose to become a prime minister.

Never focus on your faults. Thoughts are energy; stop giving energy to your faults. Tear the false labels off of yourself. You are not what they call you. It is not what they call you but what you call yourself that matters. God told Jeremiah not to start saying what he was not. God called Gideon a mighty man of valour; making him see what he had made him not what he thought he was. Start agreeing with God on who He says you are. You are valuable and you are designed with the potential to touch the world.

Think… Speak… Act like it!

4. Faithful Service: The Bible details the story of three servants told by the Lord Jesus in Mathew 25:14-30. The servants who were faithful in using their talents were promoted to handle greater responsibilities. Faithfulness is the fundamental requirement for serving the Lord and making an impact in your generation. The Bible says it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1Corinthians 4:2).

God will not continue to include you in His team if you continue to drop the ball. You cannot have mainline blessings with sideline commitment. Faithfulness will enable you to pay your tithe regularly, complete assignments; ensure you are always there etc. 

People are not paid for their need but for their value. The anointing is released on those who serve God by serving their generation. Serve diligently. Serve passionately, serve patiently.

(To be continued…)

Bishop Dr. Charles Olowojoba is the General Overseer of Dayspring Bible Church Worldwide with HQ in Abuja, Nigeria & President, Dayspring Christian Ministries Int’l. Website: www.dayspringcmi.org e-mail: [email protected] Help line: 08035150515