When Spirit-filled men and women talk about achieving their destiny, what they often have in mind is stepping into a desired “office.”
While some might see it differently, I’d define an “office” as an ascribed function or role that is duly acknowledged by an attendant community.
To the chagrin of many, their present function doesn’t reflect how they envision themselves. Many are unsettled about how their strengths, gift-mixes and relationships presently take shape in the world around them.
Individuals can imagine themselves operating one way, but how they’re seen by the members of their associated tribe may be entirely different.
While a “calling” speaks of unrecognized potential, an “office” refers to the particular role that you’re presently associated with. As you probably know, a considerable expanse can exist between one’s potential and one’s actualization.
Walking into a higher office depends on two realities: the favor of God and the recognition of man. Jesus understood this. Scripture declares that “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
It doesn’t matter how gifted or ambitious you are; without divine favor, you aren’t going very far. While you should endeavor to make adequate preparation, only God can truly provide the promotion.
The tension between the “already” and “not yet” is part of the way that your identity is formed. The undesired tumult is positioning you to become the man or woman that you are destined to be.
