PROMOTION IS FROM THE LORD

Divine promotion is lifting up. It is advancement, elevation and upgrade. It is an advancement in someone's function or increase in the level of something. The Bible says in James 1:17 (NIV) that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Divine promotion is one of them.

Reference: Psalm 75:6-7 Living Bible (TLB) 'For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another.'

Indeed, power to promote someone does not come from the east or from the west or from the wilderness. It is God who makes the decision. As a child of God, you will not be lifted by those in the east, the west or the desert. What exalts someone is not human effort. A lasting promotion stands the test of time and it can come in many areas of life. It can show up in ministry, it can manifest in marriage, it can express itself as favour in relationships or in business, etc. But what we must realize when it happens, is that it came from God.

Many people have this misconception that promotion comes from having the right connections, so they strive to make great connections at all costs, without filtering their motives or being careful in their desire and strong pursuit of such connections. If its not God's way or plan for you, be prepared for heartbreak and disappointment down the road. Unfortunately, people who endorse this philosophy believe they would've had it made if only they had been born into the right family, met the right person, or dined with the nobles. However, never take pride in one man over another; put all your trust in God.

You don't need to be stationed only in the presence of kings, to experience promotion from God. So the Bible tells us, 'Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours' (1 Corinthians 3:21). This means, stop boasting in men, rather boast in God. Don't take your wealthy and famous uncle as your god, such that without him, you can't make progress. Always appreciate their presence in your life by thanking God for using them to bless you, if that is the case, but don't glory in mortal men.

Of course, knowing the right people, especially the good ones, has its rewards, but human connections alone won't sustain your promotion and advancement in life, if you're off track. By being off track, I mean, if you prioritize those connections as being very or most important, beyond the help of God. This can make anyone regret by saying, 'if only I knew the governor'; if only my boss notices me more than others'; if only my family was well to do'; I wish our church was situated in the heart of the town'; or 'if only I had married a rich politician'. By thinking that way, you resist the flow of God's ability to lift you beyond human capabilities and earthly factors.

In 1st Timothy 4:15 NIV (2011 Edition), Paul shared in his writings to Timothy, on how to position for divine promotion: 'Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.' Strategic divine promotion and spiritual landmarks come by giving yourself wholly to God, and refusing to lean on your own understanding.

Scripture Reading - Daniel 2:47-48; Psalm 113:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; James 4:10; Colossians 3:23-24.

Guided Prayer: I thank you, my Lord and my God, for your precious Holy Spirit, the Author of promotion, who works in me both to do and will of your good pleasure. You grant me the desire for divine promotion and give me the strength to achieve the goals set out before me, in the light of fulfilling my divine purpose. My focus is to please you and my motivation, connections, and promotions come from you, not from mortal men. Guided by your Spirit, I walk in your perfect will concerning my all-round promotions and I sour higher in the realities of divine elevation and assistance, specially designed for my life, in Jesus' Name, Amen!