“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

Promotion is desirable; however, there is a high cost of obtaining it. Yes, all of us can advance and make progress if we are willing to pay the price. Many times we are unaware that we are in line for a promotion. Usually, during these times we wonder why the test since we can’t discern a cause for the adversity.

I believe this was the case with Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law. This young peasant girl from the land of  Moab was raised from obscurity to becoming the famous wife of a rich man in the area of Bethlehem Judah. Marrying Boaz was honorable indeed, but elevation didn’t end there. Ruth later secured a place in the line and lineage of Jesus Christ.

Ruth obtained these great honors because she paid the high cost of promotion.

First, she had to make a decision to position herself for promotion even when she didn’t know that promotion was in her destiny.

Second, Ruth had to “Rise Up Out Of the Ashes.” She had to let bygones be bygones by taking off her mourning clothes and turning loose the dead stuff. Ruth had to cherish the memories of her dead husband and move forward.

Third, Ruth had to discern which voice to listen to; her mother-in-law’s encouragement to stay in a dark place of no opportunities or her inner voice that was pulling her toward her destiny.

Fourth, Ruth had to be willing to walk away from everything that was familiar and become vulnerable to the unfamiliar. She left her relatives, gods, and homeland to follow a bitter old woman (Naomi) to a new land of opportunity.

Fifth, Ruth had a submissive and teachable spirit. She was willing to submit to authority, those who had knowledge and experience. She listened to her mother-in-law’s advice.

Six, Ruth humbled herself. She had to be willing to do the menial task. She went into the field, in the dust and hot sun, with men she did not know to glean barley for herself and her mother-in-law.

Ruth was promoted by God because she paid the high price of advancement. She suffered for a while, but it paid big dividends.

My friend, promotion has a high price tag. It sometimes comes wrapped in adversity that we must endure. At times it looks like a backward move. On occasions, it even looks like trouble. Yes, the process can seem embarrassing or foolish. But, if you have the strength to endure, you will receive double for your trouble (Isaiah 61:7). You will come to realize that the adversity was your path to greatness. 

It’s promotion time…are you willing to pay the high cost?

“For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.” Psalm 75:6-7

 

Posted by on Wednesday, October 24th, 2018 @ 12:02AM
Categories: Inspirational