Prophetic words: A new window is opening up for you!

The Lord says: 

"In the physical realm, you may look like you are going downhill in your life, or it seems like your best days are behind you. But I am saying to you that I am still adding upon you My spiritual substance, My anointing, My wisdom, even My strength. It doesn't matter how earthly men look at you. It doesn't matter what earthly men say about you. But I am in the midst of building you behind the scene, and I am in the midst of preparing you for greater things ahead of you." 

Let's look at the life of Joseph now. Interestingly, the name 'Joseph' in Hebrew is 'Yosef', which means 'YHWH has added'. This word 'Yosef' comes from the root word 'yasaf', which means 'to add, to increase'. 

Genesis 37:3-4 (NKJV) says, 'Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.' 

Genesis 37:5 (NKJV) says, 'Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.' 

To cut the story short, the dream was about his brothers bowing down to him. So, all these brothers hated him even more for the dream and the words that he had spoken to them.

Now, if you look at Genesis chapter 37, you would see that even though the Lord had given Joseph a dream about his future, and that his future is good; but in the physical realm, it was actually the beginning of him going downhill in his life, at least in the eyes of the world, of course. 

Not only did his brothers hated him, they even wanted to kill him! However, one of his brothers, Reuben, told them not to kill him, but cast him into a pit instead. They then sold Joseph to the Midianite traders who passed by, and these traders took him to Egypt. There in a foreign land, Joseph became a servant to Potiphar. Yet in those days, the Lord was still with Joseph, and Joseph found favor in his master Potiphar's sight. Potiphar therefore made Joseph overseer of his house. But just as things began looking up, Joseph was then accused by Potiphar's wife for something he never did. And that's how Joseph ended up in a prison.

Beloved of God, if you are in a situation where it seems like you are getting from bad to worse, and things are not getting better, take heart. The Lord is not dead. The Lord is still working behind the scene for you. The Lord is still preparing you and building you. Be patient. Persevere. Let the Lord do His part. He will know how to make things happen in His time. In His time, He will make all things beautiful for you. So, hang on there and hang on strong to the Lord.

By Genesis chapter 40, things began turning around for Joseph. It happened that the chief butler and the chief baker of the king of Egypt were thrown into the same prison where Joseph was. They both had a dream, each man's dream in one night. Joseph interpreted their dreams, and these dreams came to pass. The king restored the chief butler to his butlership, but he hanged the chief baker; just as Joseph had interpreted. After the chief butler was freed from the prison, he forgot Joseph. It was only after two full years later, when Pharaoh had a dream himself, and no one knew how to interpret Pharaoh's dream, that this chief butler remembered Joseph, and shared to Pharaoh that he knew of this Hebrew man in prison who could interpret his dream. Pharaoh then called for Joseph, and Joseph helped to interpret Pharaoh's dream. The rest is history. Pharaoh was impressed and he promoted Joseph only to be next to him. And you know the story, that during the seven years of famine, many people from different nations came to Egypt to look for food and to look for grains; and some of those were Joseph's own brothers. The dream that Joseph had earlier came to pass, because the brothers actually had to come and bow down to him.

You see, in the physical realm initially, it looked like Joseph was going downhill, and it seemed like Joseph's best days were behind him. But you know what, God works in ways that we cannot see. The Lord was actually 'adding upon' Joseph, preparing him and building him up for such a time. So it is the same with you. He is still preparing you. He is still building you. Just do not be discouraged. Keep looking to the Lord. Keep walking in His ways, just as Joseph did. Joseph walked in God's ways. He did not look at the left. He did not look at the right. He did not compromise. But he kept his faith before the Lord. And when the time came, the Lord promoted him. Beloved of God, your promotion time is also coming. Continue to allow Him to prepare you. Continue to allow Him to build you up. Continue to allow Him to get you ready for what is to come, the greater glory, the greater things ahead of you. Amen! 

Prophetic words for you:

"These next three years, there's still time to prepare, there's still time to let God build you up in your spirit. These next three years, I see a new window is opening up, a new era is opening up. And the Lord wants you to prepare for this new window, this new era, that's coming for your life. Many new things are coming your way. Many new things are unfolding right before your eyes. But fear not, because these are the good things that the Lord has prepared and has in store for you. But this is your time to allow God to build you and prepare you. Surrender your life to Him. Yield your life to Him. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Keep building yourself in the Word and in the Spirit. And you will be like Joseph. In due time, the window of opportunity will come for you. The window of promotion will come for you. A new horizon is opening up for your life."

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Your promotion time is coming!

The Lord says,

"Promotion doesn't come from east, west, or south. Promotion comes from Me. And when I open the door for your promotion, no man can shut! Stay faithful therefore in what I have called you to be and to do. Keep running this race of faith! Do not give up! For I am looking at My people's faithfulness and stewardship. And I am looking at My people's heart."

Indeed, promotion comes from the Lord, and when He opens the door for your promotion, no man can shut! And He can promote you even in ways you cannot imagine! Not just in one way, but in many ways! He can promote you and open doors for you even in the most unexpected ways! Be it in ministry, in business, in career, or in any other area of your life! Just don't limit Him, and don't try to figure out how He's going to do it!

Some people may be saying, "But what do you mean? What I see around me are just demotions, paycuts, and job losses! And you say promotion is coming?"

People of God, the Lord doesn't see the way man sees. Don't look at what's happening around you in the natural realm. Because the Lord has spoken loud and clear that in the spiritual realm, there's promotion happening for God's people, for those who stay faithful to what the Lord has spoken for them to be (and to do), and for those who never give up!

You see, promotion doesn't just come in jobs. Promotion can come in the form of increase in anointing, increase in favor, increase in wisdom, and increase in authority in the spiritual realm! Your part at the moment is to keep building what the Lord is building in your life, and He will know how to bring you from there!

Psalm 75:5-7 (KJV) says, 'Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another'.

The word 'promotion' here is 'ruwm' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to bring up, to rise up, to raise up, to set you up (for good things)'. See? To set you up (for good things)! That is one definition of 'ruwm'!

People of God, be encouraged therefore, that the Lord is in the midst of setting you up for good things! Never mind if you've been overlooked or unnoticed at the moment. Never mind if people look down on you or brush you off at the moment. Never mind if you've been 'submerged' or 'played out' by others at the moment. Because the good news for you (who are reading this) today is the Lord hasn't forgotten you, and the good work that He has begun in your life, He will also bring to full completion! (Philippians 1:6)

Keep running this race of faith that He has started in your life! Never look to man (who may disappoint you), but look to the Lord who knows exactly how to open ways for you - supernaturally! And that time is coming, if you do not lose heart! And if you continue to cling on to what the Lord has spoken in your life, no matter what happens in the natural realm around you! Hallelujah!

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Fear not the 'adversity'! Your 'promotion' time is coming!

I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:

"Fear not! Even when you are faced with opposition, persecution, or 'storms' in life! Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil! Because I am with you, and My grace is sufficient for you! When you are weak, that's when I am strong! I have been there for you, and I will still be with you! Those 'storms' will pass away, and your promotion time is coming!"

In Psalm 23:4, David wrote, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me'. The expression 'the valley of the shadow of death' here speaks of 'the darkness (or challenges) one walks through in life at times', and the word 'evil' here is 'rah' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'adversity, trouble'.

People of God, if you are faced with any 'adversity' or 'trouble' in the world right now, fear not, because the Lord your God is with you; and His rod and His staff, they comfort you. He uses His rod to chase away your 'predators', and His staff to lead (and guide) you to the right direction. Like sheep to the shepherd, keep looking to Him and trusting in Him, your Good Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-3), no matter what happens around you. He has been there for you, and He will still be with you! Be rest assured. David knew this very well, and no wonder he wrote at the beginning of this psalm, 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want' (Psalm 23:1).

By the time David wrote Psalm 23, he must have already seen much in life. He was no more a youngster. How do I know? In Psalm 23:5, he wrote, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...' This means he's old enough to have enemies. I mean, real enemies in this world! In the same verse, he also wrote, 'You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over'. This means he's old enough to have experienced abundance in providence. In Psalm 23:6, he wrote, 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. This means he's old enough to have tasted much of the Lord's goodness and mercy for him to write this way!

He must have also reminisced how the Lord had been there for him in his earlier days, even as far back as the time when he faced Goliath! He was still in his youth when Goliath came out from the camp of the Philistines and challenged Israel to choose a man to fight him (1 Samuel 17:8). However, all the men of Israel fled from him (Goliath) and were dreadfully afraid (1 Samuel 17:24), for he was a giant, and his height was 'six cubits and a span', equivalent to 'nine feet and six inches' in modern-day measurement!

But David 'stepped up to the plate', even though Goliath was about twice his size, and as 'intimidating' as can be! David knew the battle wasn't his, but the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47), and he prevailed (1 Samuel 17:50-51). When king Saul heard about it, he sent Abner, the commander of the army of Israel, to inquire about him (1 Samuel 17:56-58).

You see, what the enemy meant as an 'opposition' against Israel, the Lord turned it around as a 'promotion' time for His beloved, David!

The name 'Goliath' comes from the Hebrew word 'galah', meaning 'to shame, to strip (in a disgraceful sense), to remove'. So, if your 'Goliath' comes against you in order to shame you, strip you (in a disgraceful sense), and remove you (from God's plan and purposes in your life), fear not, because just as He was with David those days, the Lord is now here with you, fighting the battles for you. In fact, the Lord has a good news for you: "Your 'promotion' time is coming!"

Count it all joy!

James 1:2-4 (NKJV): My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.

The word 'joy' here in Greek is 'chara' (pronounced 'khar-ah'), which can be defined as 'calm delight, cheerfulness, or gladness'. No, you don't delight, cheer, or be glad at those trials of yours. No one with a sound mind would ever do that! What the Bible means here is in spite of your trials, you can still delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord!

In John 16:33, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The expression 'be of good cheer' here can be translated as 'be of good courage, or be comforted', and the word 'tribulation' in this verse is 'thlipsis' in Greek, which can mean 'pressure, affliction, anguish, burden, trouble, trials, persecution'.

I heard and released these words from the Lord the other day:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. This is a time to receive My joy and remain in My joy. My grace is sufficient for you, and I will know how to reward you in due time, if you do not lose heart. I have not forgotten you, for I am the Lord who remembers. I am looking at your faithfulness and I am looking at your heart. A time of promotion is at hand for many of My people in these coming months!"

Indeed, this is a key time to receive the joy that comes from heaven, and remain in that joy, no matter what! Nehemiah 8:10 says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'. It means to say this joy of the Lord (in you) will give you the strength to carry on and look forward in life!

Notice that 'joy' is placed very high in the 'list' of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, coming in second right after 'love' (that never fails!), and is placed even higher than 'peace'! I believe there's no insignificant details in the Word of God! This shows how important 'joy' is for each of us, simply because if we lose this joy, we will also lose the strength to carry on!

Let's look at a prime example in the New Testament now.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul wrote, '... a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of satan to buffet (beat, attack) me... Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong'.

The expression 'I take pleasure' here, similar to 'count it all joy' in James 1:2-4, doesn't mean the apostle Paul welcomed and took pleasure in all those trials he faced, but in spite of those trials, he could still 'delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord', knowing that he could count on God's grace (i.e. ability, supply) which is sufficient for him!

By the way, what exactly is 'a thorn in the flesh' here? Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke these words to the children of Israel (as an instruction for the conquest of Canaan), "When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places (places for pagan worship)... But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell." (Numbers 33:50-55) See the words 'irritants', 'thorns', and 'harass' here?

'A thorn in the flesh' can therefore mean 'someone/something sent to irritate, torment, disturb, disrupt, or harass you'. In the case of the apostle Paul, he was fulfilling the Lord's mandate and 'calling' for him as an apostle and teacher of the New Covenant, but satan sent people to harass him! As you can see here, 'a thorn in the flesh' doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. In fact, the word 'infirmities' mentioned by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10 is 'astheneia' in Greek, which simply means 'weakness, strengthless', and it doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. I personally believe the apostle Paul was walking in wholeness and wellness in his physical body. Otherwise, how would he be able to travel so extensively in his many missionary journeys?

People of God, like the apostle Paul, stay faithful in all that the Lord has spoken (and called you) to be and to do, in spite of the opposition (or harassment) sent by the enemy (or satan) against you. Stand firm in all that the Lord has spoken to you, and keep looking unto Him, the author ('beginner') and finisher ('completor') of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

In Philippians 1:6, the apostle Paul himself wrote these very reassuring words, '... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ'.

Man may forget you, but the Lord never forgets you. He is the Lord who remembers. What He has begun in you, He will see to it that He will complete it, as long as you do not lose heart (or give up). Zechariah 4:9 (NKJV) says, '... the Word of the Lord came to me (Zechariah), saying, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish (complete) it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."'

Zechariah 4:10 (The Message) says, 'Zerubbabel started rebuilding this temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me (the angel of the Lord) to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small (humble) beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place! ... the seven lamps are the eyes of God (the perfect eyes of the Lord) probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights'.

Interestingly, the name 'Zechariah' ('Zekar-Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Yah (the Lord) remembers', and this word 'zekar' in Hebrew means 'to remember, to record, to recognize, to make mention of, to be mindful'. And what does 'Zerubbabel' represent here? For the record, he was the governor of Judah those days, and the leader of the tribe of Judah. He was also the person who laid the foundation for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. As believers in the New Covenant, 1 Corinthians 6:19 says 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit'. 'Zerubbabel' therefore is a 'picture' of 'the Lord Himself, the Master-Builder in each of our lives', and He is also 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah' (Revelation 5:5).

Praise the Lord!

So, people of God, keep running the race (Hebrews 12:1) and keep putting in your heart in all that the Lord has entrusted you to be and to do, knowing that the Lord remembers you, and He will know how to reward you in due time. In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul wrote it so very aptly, '... let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart', and in Colossians 3:23-24, he wrote, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (with an abounding heart, putting in your heart) as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward... for you serve the Lord Christ'.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy! (Psalm 126:5) For those who have been faithfully serving the Lord (in spite of the many 'harassment' from the enemy) in the previous season, rejoice! Because your promotion is at hand in this coming new season! Psalm 75:6-7 says, 'For exaltation (promotion) comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is judge; He puts down one, and exalts another'. Not from men, but from God! And when He promotes you, He PROMOTES you! No one, and no evil can stand in His way! Hallelujah! Believe and receive by faith! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Passing the test

Ezekiel 47:3-4 (NKJV): And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist.

This 'man' with the measuring line in his hand speaks of the 'prince', a picture of Jesus Christ Himself, whereas the 'measuring line' here represents 'passing your test'.

Upon passing your 'test' comes your promotion. The Bible says 'promotion (or exaltation) comes neither from the east, west, or south' (Psalm 75:6). Your promotion comes from the Lord. Ezekiel 47:2 says, "He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway (of the temple) that faces east (toward the throne of God)..." The north here speaks of where Mount Zion is (Psalm 48:2).

As a whole, Ezekiel 47:1-12 speaks of God's river flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (where God's throne is), and as the 'man' brought Ezekiel towards the east, the waters became broader and deeper, from ankle deep to knee high, then up to the waist, and eventually, so deep that one had to swim in it (see Ezekiel 47:5). I know the late Ruth Heflin used to speak of this as 'praising God till He brings us into the spirit of worship, and then worshiping Him till He brings us into the spirit of glory'. She was seeing these verses from 'prophetic and worship' point of view, and there's really nothing wrong with it. I have been an ardent learner from her teachings, and was truly blessed by her.

But today, I wish to explain these verses from 'passing your test' and 'promotion comes from the Lord' point of view: As you pass your 'test', God will bring you (lead you) to a deeper (greater) realm of success or anointing.

Maybe some of you have been asking these questions recently:
"When is my breakthrough going to come?"
"O God, when are you going to give me the promotion I've been yearning for?"
"O God, when am I going to see a greater manifestation of Your glory and power?"

In short, you've been asking, "O God, why is my 'river' not deep enough?"

People of God, we are all in the same boat. In life, one cannot avoid disappointments (or delays) at one time or another. The Bible even says, 'Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life' (Proverbs 13:12). But as a believer and a beloved of God, you must also know God allows certain disappointments or delays not because He hates you or He's all-out to punish you. He cannot, and He will not. His words say so. See Jeremiah 29:11-12.

You may then ask, "Then why does He allow it?"

He allows it because He loves you so much, because of His great love for you. He allows it because He is preparing you for something greater in your life. He allows it because He wants you to get ready for the greater blessings He's going to 'pour out' on you soon! But you've got to get ready for the greater blessings (or anointing), lest you cannot 'contain' it, or in other words, lest you break! Like the old wineskin trying to 'contain' the new wine! When the anointing came upon Jesus (Luke 4:18-19), He was ready. Not much was mentioned about His first thirty years on earth, but even He had to go through a preparation time as well. He has indeed shown us the way. By the way, the number '30' in Hebrew numeric means 'ministry maturation'.

So, take heart. I am convinced He allows 'test' not to harm you or hurt you. His love for you stays the same, i.e. His unfailing love for you. And His grace for you is definitely sufficient. Let's take His word for it. You'll pass your 'test', whatever it may be at the moment, by His grace. Not only that, you'll also rise up stronger than before! And here's a piece of good news for you: If you've been 'tested' left and right in the past year, this is your year of promotion.

Some of you may be facing a test of patience, and for some others, a test of walking in His way & timing (instead of walking hastily in your own way).

Let me share a little on the test of patience. Once, I was watching my wife Sharon planting a lime seed on a pot. Nothing seemed to happen for quite a long time though. No sign of seed sprouting. Definitely no sign of the first leaf growing. About a week later, there still wasn't any sign of life on the pot! By that time, I've already long concluded that the seed wasn't going to make it! A city boy I've been all my life, that's how little I knew about planting. And just as I was giving up on the seed (even tempted to replace the soil, thinking there's really something wrong with the soil!), Sharon confidently said, "Ken, be patient. Just watch and see for one more day." The rest, of course, was history. Not long after that, we started reaping the first fruits. You see, sometimes in life, we tend to 'throw away the whole pot' even before giving enough time for the 'seed' to even grow its first leaf!

People of God, keep walking 'unwaveringly' in what God has spoken or called you to be (no matter what other people may say against you). Some of you may also need to say "No" when 'forced to the edge' to do what God hasn't said for you to do, even if that makes you unpopular or a topic of gossip! May God give you the discernment to know what's God, and what's not, no matter what 'pressure' exerted against you.

Whatever your 'test' may be at the moment, just keep trusting and looking to the sure work of Jesus on the cross. He is your ONLY sure foundation in the midst of all uncertainties in this world. Just be bold and be very courageous, and do not allow yourself to be shaken (or harassed) by the words (or threats) of the enemy (see Joshua 1:9). Just as Joshua passed the 'test', and crossed over Jordan, your breakthrough is also at hand, if you don't give up. Men may disappoint, but God will not disappoint. Men may fail you, but God's love for you never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). So, when He says 'He will be with you', HE WILL BE WITH YOU. See Joshua 1:9 again.

Note: God also sometimes allow certain disappointments (or delays) in order to wake you up, so you'll begin to humble yourself and seek Him (instead of doing it your own way).

Let's now get back to Ezekiel 47:3-4. If the number '10' means 'test, trial' in Hebrew numeric, interestingly the number 'one thousand' (as in 'one thousand cubits' in these verses) means 'divine completeness, perfect fruitfulness'! Jesus Himself has again shown us the way. After the 'trial' on the cross where He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, His name was later highly exalted (the name above all names), and at His name, every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that He is the Lord! (Philippians 2:8-11)

Note: 1 cubit = the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.

So, upon passing your 'test', He'll bring (lead) you deeper, from ankle deep to knee high, and then up to waist high. And as you pass further tests, He'll bring (lead) you even deeper and deeper, till you swim in His unlimited glory, i.e. a river so broad that it could not be crossed (Ezekiel 47:5-6).

May you fulfill all of His destiny for you. Amen!

Receiving your spiritual promotion

The book of Daniel chapters 1,2 & 3 are keys to your 'spiritual promotion'. Meditate on these chapters.

In Daniel chapter 1, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon gave an instruction to look for potential and gifted people to serve in his palace, and those short-listed would be given daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of wine, plus three years of training. Among those listed were Daniel and his three friends. While everyone else would have 'jumped' into this great 'offer', Daniel didn't. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which the king drank (Daniel 1:8a).

You know what? God honored Daniel for this, and when the time came for the king to interview him & his three friends, the king found out that they were ten times better than all the others in the short-list! Rightly so, they were selected (Daniel 1:19-20).

And in chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, and he was deeply troubled by it. Anxious to know the meaning of the dream (Daniel 2:1-3), he gave a command to call the magicians, the astrologers, and the sorcerers in his kingdom to tell him his dream, and to interpret it. However, no one could. The king was furious and thus commanded all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed. And at such a time, Daniel heard about it. But He knew his God. He had a real revelation of who He is; a God who can reveal even the deepest of 'secrets'. True enough, the ‘secrets’ (the king's dream) that nobody else knew was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. He then came before the king and told him that ‘there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets’ (Daniel 2:28). Praise God! He revealed it with such great accuracy (plus the interpretation of it)! The king was of course impressed, and he was so pleased that he promoted Daniel to be the prime minister in all of Babylon!

So, from a ‘nobody’ in a foreign land, and as a 'captive' taken from his homeland, he was promoted to be a prime minister in charge of the king’s administration! And all these began with Daniel 'purposing to set himself apart' from the pleasures of the flesh, in the form of king's delicacies & wine. These 'delicacies' and 'wine' are 'pictures' representing any 'earthly pleasures' or 'indulgences' (that may have taken God's place in your life). Such would have 'clogged' him from receiving all the spiritual understanding & wisdom from the Lord, the very qualities that impressed King Nebuchadnezzar!

Daniel chapter 3 then tells us about Daniel's friends not 'compromising' & not bowing down to worship the gold image built by Nebuchadnezzar. God honored them with promotion as well!

Beloved, there's no God like our God. The God of Daniel and his three friends is here with you right now. He will surely honor you if you 'choose' Him, and praise the Lord, your 'promotion' is already on the way, just as Daniel and his three friends experienced!