New Levels

Why is that when you are about to be promoted you have to have a test? In school, to reach the next grade level there are a series of finals you must take in order to be promoted. At work your boss puts you through tests before he hands out a promotion. Some tests aren’t as obvious as the ones you take in school.

Do you come to work on time, late or early? When asked to do something, like work late – what is your response? Are you agreeable? Do you take criticism or correction well? Are you trustworthy? Do you waste time? Are you doing your job to the best of your abilities or are you holding back? These are good questions to ask. Why? Your boss probably asks the same questions.

Just like at work or school we are judged and tested in our spiritual life. We don’t get promoted until we pass. When we pass God’s tests then we move on. If we fail, God gives us another chance, because he’s gracious and merciful to us.

So what happens when that promotion comes? New levels, new devils. I’m not sure who said that originally, but it’s much more than a catchy phrase. Attack, harassment, and the heat from the enemy fires up. How do we combat these attacks? How do we push through? When it’s a small promotion then it’s a small backlash. When it’s a large promotion then watch out for it hits the fan.

I find that you don’t have to fight alone. When the fire gets so hot, don’t go it alone. Don’t try to fight the harassment alone. No matter how strong you are, there comes a time you need to reach out and ask for help. There is power in prayer. There is more power when two or three are gathered in His name.

Thank you Lord that you don’t call us to go this alone. Thank you Father that you place others in our lives that when new levels come we have flesh and blood people to help us through the attacks.

© Nadine Z. 2006