There is something unique about those who trust in God and hearken to His ways: He glorifies them. However, before anyone receives glory and honor, there is testing and maturity. Only those who overcome the days of temptation, consecration, and maturity end up stepping into this glory. For some, it may not come in this life but in the next. For most, however, it is a matter of time and diligent following of Christ.
Humility Precedes Honor
Of course, each of us loves glory and fame, but nobody enjoys the humility that comes before it. Remember what King Solomon said in Proverbs 18:12 (NASB1995):
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.
This is not as easy as it sounds. Even Israel learned this the hard way.
Israel’s Journey from Egypt to the Promised Land
From the time they entered Egypt in glory during Joseph’s era as prime minister of the land, things eventually changed. After a while, Joseph’s era faded, and Israel became slaves before the Egyptians. It was in this shame and grounding through slavery that Israel was qualified to set out and conquer the Promised Land—to finally claim the promise made to their forefather, Abraham.
It was when their hearts were set on God. After they cried out to Him to rescue them from the hard labor the Egyptians burdened them with, God finally listened to their plea. He sent Moses to rescue them. As they left Egypt, the Egyptians who had once bound the Israelites in chains begged them to leave. This was because of the calamities sent upon the land when Pharaoh first refused to free the Israelites.
In the end, Pharaoh and Egypt gave in and let the Israelites go, until they made it to the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Glory Comes Through Christ
In the same way, you receive glory—not after praying for seven hours or doing all sorts of good things merely to gain influence. You receive glory through Christ and are set at the right hand of the Father.
Hard Times as Testing, Not Punishment
So instead of looking at the hard times you are facing as a punishment from society or abandonment by God, rather look at what you are going through right now—if it is shaming or tormenting you—as a test rather than as a punishment.
Our God makes everything perfect in its time. So even though it may seem late before your eyes, remember that Isaac was born when Abraham was over ninety years old. In this, the promise God made to Abraham was preserved in Isaac, and it is still working to this day.
Seek First the Kingdom
So if you are the type that is seeking glory, seek first the kingdom, and the rest will be added unto you. As for the current situation you are going through, it is only a matter of time before God puts you elsewhere that is better. As He rescued Israel, so will He fight for you against any Egyptian blocking your progress.
