GAINING APPROVAL FOR PROMOTION 3 (1Sam.16:8-13). Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, The Lord has not chosen this one either. Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, Nor has the Lord chosen this one. Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, The Lord has not chosen these. So he asked Jesse, Are these all the sons you have? There is still the youngest, Jesse answered, but he is tending the sheep. There is still the youngest, Jesse answered, but he is tending the sheep. Samuel said, Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives. So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, Rise and anoint him; he is the one. So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. We could see from our passage this morning that it is not just the outward appearance or outward things alone that God is looking for for one to merit promotion. There are other qualifications that are needed as we could see in the life of David. Eliab also possessed a good appearance to an extent that Samuel was carried away and wanted to anoint him as king over Israel. What qualified David to be king? Apparently he did not make an overpowering first impression, but God valued hidden qualities far more. Throughout his life David would demonstrate that he loved and trusted God with all his heart. If we are desirous of promotion in life, we must learn to trust God alone and not our own effort or any other thing. It is not by might nor is it by power but by the spirit of God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Pro.3:5&6). For one to be promoted in life it is compulsory we trust absolutely in God alone. Fine appearance – for one to deserve promotion, he/she must take care of his/her appearance. You cannot be going for promotion interview or for appointment and dressed anyhow. I was told that some people went for an interview in a certain place and before the exercise started one of them was sent away because he wore his trousers below the waist- hands down. No matter how brilliant he may be, there was no way he could be considered since his appearance had denied him of the interview. From where you are – no matter how remote the place where your duty has taken you to, it does not affect your gaining approval for promotion especially if you are completely obedient to the will of God. David did not reject being a shepherd boy; he was still in the business when within a short spade of time God decided to promote him from a shepherd boy to a king over God’s people. For instance, if God calls you to go to a rural area, do not hesitate to go. God who sent you will not forget you there, in due course when it is time for your promotion He will surely sent for you like He did for David. Patience is needed - though David had been anointed as king, he did not go ahead to seize power from the reigning king. He patiently waited for the right time to come. If God had promised you promotion, wait for the right time do not be too anxious, it will soon be your turn. Remain blessed in the Lord. PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK Monday: - Father, give me the grace to trust in you alone IJN Tuesday: - Father, help me that I may be of good character to meet the condition for promotion IJN Wednesday: - Help me o Lord to maintain the good appearance you created me with IJN Thursday: - Locate me o Lord from where I am and promote me IJN Friday: - Father, please fulfill your promises for Seed of Life IJN Saturday: - Lord, give us peace in Nigeria IJN
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:28:35 +0000
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