Pain, Perplexity and Promotion

Again this week a quote from Bob Sorge's book on Job - Pain, Perplexity and Promotion:

"Here is the justice in the Job crucible: God intends to promote Job to a much higher place of intimacy and influence in the kingdom. But if he gives Job the promotion without the pruning, Job will self-destruct through spiritual pride. It's the undeserved distress that turns up the flame, and it's the flame that will save Job from himself. The delaying of justice is the very thing that qualifies and prepares Job for the higher place. No delay, no promotion...The delay is painful, but God in His justice has determined that the value of the promotion surpasses the pain of the delay. You don't become a symbol of Christ's cross and a blessing to all generations without a price-tag..."

Lord, Your ways and thoughts are much higher than ours; thank You for making a way for Your children to be saved from the tyranny of the self life to walk in the freedom and joy of increasing dependence on You. Holy Spirit, do all that You need to do to bring us into the likeness of Jesus. You are so kind in Your dealings, and we trust Your delays even when we don't understand all that's going on. Jesus, thank You that You refused to take a short-cut, and in His precise timing, Your Father exalted/promoted You; in Your loving obedience to Him, we receive empowering to go the Father's way as well. We love and adore You, oh Lord! Amen.