Who's Being Exalted?

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 
I Peter 5: 6, 7

We're all familiar with these verses of Scripture.  It's especially helpful to remember them when we're facing difficulties that are beyond our abilities to handle alone.   To realize that we have no control over the circumstances of "tomorrow" can be humbling, especially when we have a tendency to fear the unknown.

I was pondering the idea of "being exalted in due time."  Why would The Almighty God even want to exalt US at ANY time?  The Greek word for exalted is "hupsos" which means "to lift up."   One can glean from this the idea of God encouraging us, lifting up our spirits, in due time.   But could there be a deeper, hidden truth that we're missing?  HHmmm.

Well, He says, "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you."  So, I did just that.  "Father, You are the only One worthy to be lifted up or exalted, and yet here Your Word says that if we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, You will exalt us in due time.  Why would this even be necessary?  We should be lifting You up."  

God's sovereignty deems everything that happens to us as being a part of His higher plan for our lives, even the "bad stuff."   Even if He did not cause the problem, He sure does allow it to happen, for our greater good, and for HIS glory.  So as we cast our cares upon Him, it's helpful to remember His purpose in everything:  to purge the dross from our lives and make us more like His Son. . .which leads me to this verse:  "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me."  (John 12:32) 

That's when He showed me: "Tammi, when in your storms you humble yourself before Me, that's when I begin to purge that old nature of yours and make you more like My Son, Jesus.   Then, as the purification process evolves, less of you is evident, and more of My Son surfaces---therefore, when I 'exalt you,' I'm really exalting My Son's life IN YOU.  I can tell when it's 'due time' when I see more and more of My Son's image in you.  That's why it is safe for Me to say I will lift you up.  Of course to lift you up, just you, would not be wise.  I am well aware of that!  But to lift MY SON up, IN YOU, that is when others will be drawn to Me through what I do in and through you.  Just rest and yield to My plan.  Soon My very Son's life will be evident in your life.  Be still, My child...and remember He must increase and you must decrease." 

I'm so thankful for God's omniscience...He is all knowing!  SO wise, unlike any other!

Thank You, Father, for knowing the little questions we have as we walk with You.  Thank You for even taking the time to answer us in our quest to know You more.  We can trust You because this process is purging us of ourselves, and making us more like Your Son, Jesus.  Thank You that He was lifted up on Calvary on our behalf, so that we may not only have the hope of eternal life with You, but also the joy of getting to know You now and being used by You, for Your glory.  Help us quietly yield to Your hands.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.