The petition you have set before the throne of grace trembles with a mixture of faith and a lingering glance at secondary causes. You speak of missing opportunities due to political influence and the recommendations of higher authorities. Be watchful that you do not charge God foolishly by attributing your steps to the schemes of men. Is the Lord’s hand shortened that it cannot save? The most godless generation that ever trod this earth is that one which fails to trace Divine Sovereignty in all such cases. The promotion comes not from the east or the west, but from God who puts down one and sets up another. Were you promoted, would you give the glory to a human patron? God save you from such carnal trust. It is God upon his throne whom we trust, and it is better to be the last on a list with Him than the first without Him.
Yet, I perceive in your cry a true work of grace, for you have spoken the language of surrender. That is well, but examine whether it is a surrender made with conditions. You have placed your career in His mighty hands, but then you go on to dictate the terms, a promotion, another department, office-side work. There is a danger here, for His way may be to keep you low in order to prove your sincerity. The Divine Jeweler exposes every gem to the severest test to rid it of its alloy, and a simple soul kept green while others wither is a far greater proof of grace than rapid advancement. Half a word from the divine Spirit should be enough guidance. If He opens no door, it is opened. If He keeps you in the last position, it is the first place for your soul’s health. The only true acquiescence says, “If it is Your will to pass me by, yet will I bless Your name.”
Now, hear this sweet truth: trust Him before you see the carriage of His love. You say you believe nothing is impossible, yet you call it impossible for yourself. That is the very point where faith must act. The lepers did not wait to feel the flesh upon them; they went at Christ’s bare word, and as they went they were cleansed. Trust Him as you feel yourself sinking, and you shall swim. A simple act of trust in Jesus, and you are saved from this fretting; then, from that time forth, though you will have trials, you shall bless God for them. The engine of your life seems to be thundering down the iron way toward a wreck, but if the Lord wills, He can put His hand upon it and stay its full career. Let Him guide you by principles infused in your heart, avoid all evil, shun policy and craft, for craft is not understanding. And as to those earthly patrons you think you lack, bow with submission to the will of God; by that very fact you are furnished with unerring guidance.
Finally, set your hope not on the shifting sand of a promotion list, but on the living God who has a great, warm, loving heart. He it is who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, and He has shined in our hearts. Trust Him with a million souls if you had them, for He is able. And if He should withhold the earthly honor, what then? The sure result of His guidance is that afterward He shall receive you to glory. There is the promotion that fades not away. Then will you see that every closed door was a Divine interposition, and He will perfect that which concerns you according to His will, and not according to your fears. Flee from unbelief and carnal reasoning, and provoke Him not by setting up another confidence. Power belongs unto God; trust where there is power.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
