The Purpose of Elevation

For years as a young man, I strived to be in charge of something. I felt I knew enough about life that I could succeed given the chance to do so. Unfortunately, my youth and exuberance often got the best of me and caused more harm than good. I wanted something I was not ready for.

Fortunately there were leaders above me that recognized my potential and would nurture and guide me as I grew older. There were two Chief Master Sergeants who had significant impact on my life. One helped me channel my drive for excellence as a flight engineer by gently nudging me in one direction or another. He helped me focus on what was important technically in my job.

The other Chief did one thing, he believed in me. I had some disciplinary problems during my first few years in the military that caused me to have less than a stellar personal record. I had changed my ways many years earlier, but could not gain any traction in moving my career forward. Because of my record, the previous Chief engineer said I’d never be anything more than a mid level supervisor and would not help me move up through the ranks.

Because these two men believed in me and helped me along the way, I would eventually become a Chief and rise to one of the top positions in my career ladder. As I look back I can see the Lord’s hand in my life at every turn. He blessed me with great people in my youth that allowed me to grow and learn. If you are a young person with ambitions in life, slow down and allow the leaders the Lord has put in your path to help you learn. In His timing He will elevate you to the position He has selected for you…be patient!

Blessings

The Purpose of Elevation
December 4th, 2014 by Os Hillman

And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (Josh 3:7-8).

Joshua had been a faithful number two man under Moses for 40 years. Can you imagine serving one man for 40 years? Now that is faithfulness!

Even so, when the time came to pass the mantel to Joshua, God knew he needed to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order for Joshua to accomplish his purpose. That is the purpose of elevation – so that you and I can fulfill our purpose and our mission.

We are not called to elevate ourselves. If we elevate ourselves before our time we will short circuit God’s plans for our lives. We will not have the same level of grace as we would have if it were in God’s perfect timing. Moving into a job or responsibility before we are ready is a formula for failure. We may not be mature enough. We may not have the proper skill set.

Let God elevate you in His timing and you will be successful in the thing He created you to be and do.