Dear God, you're embarrassing me!

Dear God, you’re embarrassing me at work.

So, here’s a little background. Around November 2021, I accepted a stretch assignment to take on additional responsibilities, with no additional pay. I wanted the additional experience, even without a pay increase, because I believed it would help me get a promotion.

In February 2022, a position became available so I submitted an application. It was the perfect promotional opportunity that would allow me to continue my current responsibilities on another level. A month after I submitted my application, on March 3rd to be exact, the hiring manager informed me that I wasn’t being considered for the position.

I was shocked. Suddenly, it seemed that all the work I’d completed, the network I’d created, and the leadership I’d exemplified over the last months with my stretch assignment was for nothing. I’d literally doubled my workload and had nothing to show for it. Or, so I thought…

On February 8th, a week after I’d submitted my application for the promotion, I was invited to speak at a conference in Washington D.C.! Honestly, at first sight I assumed that the conference would be small-scale because they wanted me. Then, I saw the conference agenda included professors, doctors and executives from reputable organizations. And perhaps because I doubted God’s favor, it happened again. On February 16th, I was invited to speak at a conference in Chicago. This time, I didn’t give in to doubt told God “Thank You.” Then, on March 11th, I received public recognition for my “…calm, well-spoken manner and leadership…” while moderating a panel discussion. On March 14th, while enjoying spring break with my family, I was publicly recognized again for my role in developing an innovative learning tool. And on March 22nd, I learned that my name was being spoken in rooms that I haven’t stepped in after discovering that a group of executive leaders were discussing my proficiency and skills. And that same day, I was invited to speak at a conference in Pittsburgh. When that invitation hit my inbox, I laughed out loud and said, “God, you’re embarrassing me!”

Over the last seven weeks, God has been proving Psalm 23:5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.“ He’s proving that no one has the authority or power to direct my steps or to interfere with His plan for my life. He’s proving that if no one mentions my name, He advocates for me. He’s proving that I don’t need cooperation or participation from others to experience His promises.

This season, I’m learning to be brave enough to let go and wise enough to wait on God. Because the truth is, if I have to go outside His will to get it, I’ll have to stay outside His will to keep it. And doing anything without God will either be a miserable success, or a miserable failure.

I know setbacks and disappointments like these feel like the enemy has won the round, but he will not win the war. Besides, I believe we’re going to be telling a different story very soon. Don’t give up, keep going!