Promotions and Demotions

The proud blame God for demotions and take credit for promotions. 

But the High and Holy One takes rightful credit for both:

“I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn …’ For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.” (Ps. 75:6-7)

God’s hand is on the lever, lifting up one and putting down another. In his blameless wisdom, he determines how high and low we go in every season. 

The flesh wants control of the lever. We insist that Jesus let us live forever on the summit of transfiguration (Mt. 17:4). But true transformation comes in the valley of humiliation. 

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound … I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Phil. 4:12)

The apostle Paul had to “learn the secret” of trusting God through promotions and demotions, and so do we. 

As we mature in Christ, we start to find solace, not in the high places, but in the shadow of his wings. We stop climbing for positions as proximity to Christ becomes the dominating pursuit.

Stay in close touch with God, and he will neither promote you or demote you beyond your strength of character.

He will not raise you up to the point of devastating pride. And he will not send you down to the point of crushing despair.

Through many mounts and valleys, he shows where joy is found—until you learn to trust his design even more than your desires.