Promotion? What now?

Ever been placed in a position you thought you were not ready for? One where you didn’t have the credentials? One where you felt like an imposter? Well, you’re not alone. I know I’ve felt as if I was in over my head on more than one occasion. But what can you do? What steps can you take to help you navigate when that happens? 

Pray. Seek God and His righteousness first in all you do (Matt 6:33). When we acknowledge Him, He will direct our footsteps and he will guide our way (Prov 3:5-6). As we seek Him, He will add all the things we need so we don’t have a need to worry. He will provide wisdom and understanding for us as we walk out what he’s called us to. 

Don’t worry. Worry is the opposite of prayer (Phil 4:6-7).  Worry drives us away from God and makes us believe we should handle issues on our own. We can’t. We need God in all aspects of our lives, leading and guiding us. When we begin to make decisions and choices apart from God and His guidance, we get in trouble. 

Do the work. When we get into positions where we feel over our head, we seek to learn. Do the work we can do as if working for the Lord (Col 3:23-24). One thing I’ve learned is that God will not do what we can do on our own. It’s up to us to give whatever God calls us to our best. Our role to further God’s kingdom. So, we do whatever we can do – study that book, practice that instrument, get that degree, learn that language, etc. When we do what only we can do, we leave the rest to God. He cares for us and He will take our burdens, if we allow Him to (1 Pet 5:7). 

Stay humble. We can do nothing in and of ourselves (John 15:5). We don’t even own our emotions. So, we have to remember it is only in God that we live, move and have our being (Acts 17:28). When we remain humble, we remember that God elevates us (1 Pet 5:6). When we remember that God is in control and owns everything, we are reminded that we are only a small part of God’s plan and that none of us are more important than others. All God’s children are part of the body of Christ and we all have a role in God’s kingdom. 

Have faith. We know God is with us always. He won’t leave us, so we are never alone. No matter the circumstance, we belong to God. As you pray, believe He will do just what He said (Matt 21:22). He is a promise keeper. If He said a thing, it will happen. 

So, when someone (including yourself) says you don’t deserve a particular position or you can’t do it, remember you can do all things through Christ (Phil 4:13) and that promotion comes from God (Psa 75:6-7). When we don’t seek it ourselves and God moves us, He does not make mistakes. Rest in that knowledge and give it everything you’ve got.