(Psalm 75:6)
We've stated many times throughout this book that as you are faithful in the small things, God will make you a ruler over many. As we stay with the assignment and the gifts God has given each of us, He will bring our gift before great men. (Prov. 18:16.) This may not happen overnight, but God always fulfills His promises. When it doesn't seem like anything is happening and that you will always be serving in the background, your Father sees you and will reward your faithfulness.
I remember one day while attending Bible school, I saw a fellow I knew come into class all dressed up. This was unusual because he generally wore jeans. When I asked him why he was so dressed up, he answered, "Because all the 'big shots' from the denominational headquarters are coming to school today; just stick with me and I'll introduce you to the really big ones."
I was so grieved in my heart that I went to my room and told the Lord that if that was how the ministry worked, then He could count me out.
The Lord said so clearly to me that day, Son, don't you realize that you have already been introduced to the Big One?
That's right. They don't come any "bigger" than God, and you don't have to play any games to gain His attention. Stay with your individual assignment, and in due time He will exalt you.
The following are some examples of God exalting ordinary individuals to a place of honor. None exalted themselves, but God saw their hearts and in due season they reaped the rewards of their faithfulness.
- Rebekah was drawing water from a well and with a servant's heart offered a drink to Abraham's servant and his camels. She went on to marry Isaac, a very wealthy man. Together they bore Jacob, who was in the lineage of Jesus. (Matt. 1:2.)
- David was just a shepherd boy being faithful in his work when he was anointed to be king. The Lord specifically told Samuel not to look on his appearance, for He saw David's heart. (1 Sam. 16:6–13.) He, too, was part of the lineage of Jesus.
- Ruth gave up her life in her homeland to follow her mother-in-law after the death of their husbands. She went on to marry Boaz. Together they, too, bore a son in the lineage of Jesus. (Matt. 1:5.) The book of Ruth in the Bible tells her story.
- Esther was an ordinary women who had favor with the king and went on to marry him. She saved her people from death, and a book of the Bible was written to tell her story.
- Mary was another ordinary woman who found great favor with God. She bore the Savior.
Dear God, I feel like I'm just an ordinary, everyday sort of person, just being faithful to do the small things in Your Kingdom. I see how others have set out to promote themselves, oftentimes hurting others in the process, but I refuse to get into the political game. You see my heart, You know what I do, and I trust You for any promotion that comes. Even if I am never exalted in a public way, I thank You that You will reward me for being faithful to Your work. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers