Winning in the Workplace

Pressure and opposition sometimes precede promotion. Daniel and Joseph were both promoted to senior level positions. Their stories are told in the Old Testament. Both men reported directly to the number one person in authority over an entire kingdom. In today’s society that would be like having the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as your boss.

Joseph was appointed to his position as second in command under Pharaoh. Daniel was one of three presidents, preferred over his two colleagues and above all of the 120 princes in the kingdom. But both men had to stand strong when faced with severe opposition.

Joseph had to withstand betrayal by his brothers, slavery and wrongful imprisonment (for several years) due to “trumped up” charges of sexual harassment from Potiphar’s wife. Daniel came to Babylon as a captive when he was a teenager, escaped a death threat when the king’s advisers couldn’t interpret the king’s dream and was thrown into a lion’s den when his jealous colleagues reported that he was praying – in violation of a “trumped up” law that was deliberately designed to entrap him.

You could be on the verge of a significant promotion, but if you give up and throw in the towel, you’ll miss God’s plan for your life. Stay in position until God tells you to leave or opens another door.

Until you can learn to walk in love and forgive those who are opposing you, you haven’t learned the critical lessons that will make you a truly great leader. Let God protect you and guide you.

Psalm 57 and Psalm 27 reveal the true source of your strength:

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up…. (Psalm 57:1-3)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

God is able to instantly open a door of opportunity for you, whenever and wherever He wants to. He has a perfect plan of deliverance and escape. That’s why you should not quit your job unless He directs you to do so. Remember that Joseph endured hardship for a period of thirteen years before he was promoted. During that time, he was being prepared to rule and reign as second in command under Pharaoh. Daniel had to spend the entire night in a lion’s den but after he came through that trial unharmed, the king threw Daniel’s accusers and their families into the lion’s den and they were immediately devoured.

Do you feel like quitting? Don’t give up or resign unless and until the Lord tells you to do so. Sometimes opposition precedes promotion. No person or organization can ever hinder the impact and call of God on your life. Remember that we don’t have to fight people because we wrestle not against flesh and blood.