Post by moses Anyanwu (@moses_anyanwu)

*SEEKING YOUR LIFTING FROM GOD-------PART 2*

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR DIVINE LIFTING

1 SAMUEL 16:7 (KJV)

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

*INTRODUCTION*

One of the greatest mistakes people make when seeking advancement is concentrating more on the position they desire than on the person they need to become.

Many people pray for promotion, leadership, influence, financial increase, and greater opportunities. They desire to move to the next level, but sometimes they neglect the preparation required to handle the responsibilities that come with advancement.

The truth is that desiring to be lifted is not the same as being prepared for lifting. A person may desire a leadership position without developing leadership character. Someone may desire influence without learning accountability. Another may seek recognition without developing the humility and discipline required to sustain success.

God is not only interested in where He is taking you; He is also interested in who you are becoming along the journey.

When Samuel was sent to anoint a king in the house of Jesse, he initially looked at the outward appearance of Eliab. However, God corrected his judgment and revealed an important principle: human beings often evaluate people by what they can see, but God examines the heart.

This teaches us that divine lifting is not merely about appearance, qualifications, connections, or public recognition. God is concerned about our character, motives, faithfulness, and readiness to fulfil His purpose.

Before asking God to enlarge your territory, ask Him to enlarge your capacity. Before asking for greater influence, allow Him to develop your character. Before seeking a higher position, learn to become faithful in your present assignment.

The question is not only, "Lord, when will You lift me?" It is also, "Lord, prepare me so that I can handle what You entrust to me."

Let us consider five important areas of preparation for divine lifting.

*PREPARE YOUR HEART AND MOTIVES*

1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 4:23; James 4:3

God looks beyond outward activities and examines the heart behind them.

It is possible to desire a good position for the wrong reasons. Someone may want leadership because they desire authority over others. Another may seek recognition because they want people to admire them. Someone else may pursue promotion simply because they cannot tolerate seeing others succeed.

This is why we must examine our motives.

James 4:3 (KJV) says:

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

Godly advancement must not be driven by selfish ambition, jealousy, pride, or the desire to dominate others. Our desire should be to glorify God and serve people faithfully.

*DEVELOP FAITHFULNESS IN SMALL RESPONSIBILITIES*

Luke 16:10; 1 Samuel 17:34–37

Before David became king, he was a shepherd. His responsibilities appeared small, but he took them seriously.

When he faced Goliath, he drew confidence from previous experiences protecting his father's sheep from the lion and the bear.

David's faithfulness in the field helped prepare him for the responsibilities ahead.

Jesus taught in Luke 16:10 (KJV):

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much..."

Many people want greater opportunities but neglect the responsibilities already in their hands. They want to lead a large organisation but struggle to manage small assignments. They desire public recognition but are unwilling to serve faithfully when nobody is watching.

Do not despise small responsibilities. Your present assignment is an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness, discipline, and commitment.

*DEVELOP THE CHARACTER REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN YOUR LIFTING*

Galatians 5:22–23; Proverbs 16:18; Philippians 2:5–8

A person's gifts may open opportunities, but character is essential for sustaining responsibility.

Talent without discipline can become wasteful. Influence without humility can become dangerous. Leadership without integrity can damage lives and institutions.

Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

These qualities are essential for anyone who desires to carry greater responsibility.

Consider Joseph. Even when he was falsely accused and imprisoned, he maintained his integrity. When he eventually received authority in Egypt, he demonstrated wisdom and responsibility.

Divine lifting should not make us proud, arrogant, impatient, or insensitive to others. It should reveal the character God has been developing in us.

*INCREASE YOUR CAPACITY THROUGH LEARNING AND PREPARATION*

Proverbs 18:15; 2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 22:29

Spiritual dependence does not eliminate the need for preparati

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