In today’s devotion, “Don’t promote yourself!” Dave reminds us that the way up is often the way down—and in God’s timing. And now, Dave’s devotion.

We Christians often attribute things to God that we really want for ourselves. I think that’s one reason why the Prosperity Gospel’s way-of-thinking has become popular. We think that because we value our own happiness and comfort so much, God also always wants us to be happy and comfortable, that He will fulfill our ambitions and promote us with success. But that’s not usually the case. Often God wants us to take the low road. Let’s learn how this principle worked in the lives of two, well-known Old Testament men:

After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness…So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats. At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave! “Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe. But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. “The Lord knows I shouldn’t have done that to my lord the king,” he said to his men. “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. (1 Sam. 24:1-7)

In today’s passage, Saul took a break from his quest to kill David. To answer the call of nature, he wandered, alone, into the cave where David and his men were hiding. If you were David, what would you have thought? “Aha! Now’s our chance to kill Saul!” which was exactly what David’s men said. “Now’s your opportunity! Today the Lord has told you to do with your enemy as you wish.” What do you think of that? David’s men believed God had arranged a convenient opportunity to strike down Saul. But David knew it was God’s will for Saul to be king. David also knew that it was not his place to take matters into his own hands and depose Saul. God would have to do it in His own time.

Today, you might have some great opportunities to promote yourself. After all, God wants you to be blessed—but be careful how you go about it. God isn't looking for people who will take matters into their own hands. He’s looking for someone who will trust Him and wait for Him. He has a plan for you and will accomplish it in His own timing...and that is very Good News!