“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.” (Psalm 40:16)
The god of this world always makes it about us. According to Jesus, he “savors” the things of men, not the things of God. (Matt. 16:23) Are we being given what we deserve? Are we being considered? Are we being treated right? If not, he is glad to create stir up indignation in our heart.
John the Baptist was in the desert for years. Finally the time came for him to show the world what he had gained during that long, lonely season. “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.” (Luke 1:80) No sooner was he the “talk of the town,” he was being asked to step aside. What did he do? Did he cry, “No fair!” Did he say, “What about me?” No, he uttered these remarkable words: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
The secret to John’s greatness was that he fully grasped that a greater one than he was on the way. He had only come to prepare the way for Jesus. To let Christ increase, he would gladly decrease, because his Lord was far more worthy to receive glory, honor, and power than he was. He would rather worship than be worshipped.
A choice must be made when we are given less than we would like or believe we deserve. Who do we deem to be the worthy one? Whose pleasure should we be living for? Is it possible that us getting less may lead to Christ getting more?
No, you may not be receiving all you want. But are you giving to God all He wants? Make your loss His gain.