Joshua 3:7
‘Now the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they will know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.”‘
It took a while to understand this verse. I wouldn’t have ever thought it would be appropriate for some human to be exalted. I began to see my error in Psalm 23, “You preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies”. I’ve begun to see this as an honor banquet for David. Then I personalized it for me. God will give honor to His children on occasion. I could compare it to a parent who likes to see his kid get some sunshine.
When younger I used to dream about getting recognition. This vanity got old as I began to grow in Christ. I learned to live for an audience of One. I didn’t want, or need, the praise of men. This was nice. It reminds me of the Casting Crowns song, Legacy. One lyric says, “I don’t want to leave a legacy, I don’t care if they remember me, only Jesus”.
The fear of man was dissipating. I didn’t want or need that praise. So, why does God exalt us at times? It’s for His purposes. Joshua needed the respect of the people. Just as Moses had it. Leading them would be easier if the people looked up to him.
Is there a downside to being exalted by God? Yes, it’s pride. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 has Paul’s story, ‘Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.’ God has His ways to keep us humble.
He chooses to honor us in His time. Isaiah 55:8,9 says, ‘“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways.”‘ Last year I went through an incident in which I thought God would bring me through and give me honor. I was wrong. He did bring me through unscathed. However, I expected the outcome would have went my way. It didn’t. My ways aren’t His ways.
Sticking with this situation, I was feeling down as I felt my influence was completely null with this particular group. The same day God opened my eyes and showed me where He wanted me to serve. It wasn’t with this group at all. I stopped worrying. I’ll take my joy where He is using me. I don’t have to worry about areas where there isn’t fruit.
He will give us honor when He chooses. Let Him open the doors and bless where He chooses. Thank You, Lord.