This is a continuation of last week’s blog post titled: “The Danger that Comes with the Throne.” One of the things I mentioned was about the need to prove ourselves to others, even when we are in a position of authority. I felt compelled to expand on that specific point. I will explain the difference between having to prove yourself versus when God does it Himself. Some of you may be wondering whether we should live in a cocoon or hide our gifts, and how to differentiate when it’s our pride versus when God is working, and here it is:
The need to prove yourself is when you pressure yourself to perform even when your performance is not needed at this particular time or place. You may assume that it is a must to prove a point to others or prove your doubters wrong. However, when it’s the Lord’s doing, He will reveal to others who you are. God Himself will create an opportune time where you will be the best person at the right place and at the right time to perform the specific task. It will be undeniable, effortlessly done, and it might be done at a time when you least expect it; you may even realize it after the fact. And after the showdown, expect to become a threat to some. However, you need not be afraid because you didn’t do what you did by your own strength. Therefore, you can rest under the promise found in Psalm 34:19, which says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Knowing that He will always be your present help in times of trouble.
On the other hand, there is another twist to this as well, where you may not get to perform the task at all, even though you are gifted at it, and that’s okay, too. What I’ve learned is that sometimes God doesn’t reveal you to some people. For instance, sometimes God doesn’t allow you to get a chance to say to someone or a group of people: “I can’t believe you said or did that after all I’ve done for you…and I’ve done this, that, and the third.” You may not get the luxury of enumerating the good things you’ve done, and that’s okay, too. There are two things that you need to remember in such circumstances: 1) if God hides you, you need to trust that He knows what He is doing and has something better for you. 2) If you don’t get to remind some people of your goodness and kindness toward them, know that your silence and your absence will do the job for you, and they’ll speak on your behalf. If the blood of an innocent man could reach the ears of the Most-High from the ground (Genesis 4:10), God can definitely make your silence and your absence reach the consciousness of those who mistreated you. He’ll do it in deeper ways that you can’t even explain. So be encouraged, my dear!
I was reading a commentary by pastor and Bible teacher, David Guzik, concerning Proverbs 13:21, which says, “Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.” Pastor David stated a quote from a Bible commentator named John Trapp, which says, “God shall repay good. Now He is a liberal paymaster, and all His retributions are more than bountiful. Never did any yet do or suffer aught for God that complained of a hard bargain. God will recompense your losses.” In other words, whatever God offers you in exchange will always be better. And when we think about the life that Jesus offers compared to the exhausting and unpredictable life that the world offers, it’s like day and night. I mean, what God offers doesn’t even have to be material things, though God will still bless you, but just the fruit of the Spirit and His abiding Presence alone is unbeatable. Once your eyes are opened to the abundant life that Jesus offers, this is the type of blessing that makes you want to shout and say, “Give me Jesus in the morning, afternoon, evening, and at night.”
At times, the way God may ask you to move in a certain situation or deal with it may even seem as if God is working against you. However, if you take the time and ponder His ways, you will soon discover that God’s ways are different, but they are so powerful and always work in your favor.
I pray this was helpful to you in any way!
You’ve got this because you are loved. And Love will empower you to do that which you think you cannot do.
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