8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. - Joshua 1:8(AMP)
Process, time and season, cannot be overemphasized when it comes to going 'up'. From the above scripture, you can see how the study and meditation of the word is very vital to becoming successful the God-way. As you follow His word, you would find it easy to recognise God's will and obey them. This is what leads you to that successful place. Success gotten this way lasts and lasts because God Himself got your back. Since God is a God of process and order, He delights in His children who understand the principle "the way up is down". When He recognises genuine desire to follow due process, His grace not only kicks in full time to lift you up, it also pulls you through those unpleasant situations associated with your present state.
8 Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundations of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know (recognize, understand fully) that the Lordof hosts has sent me [as His messenger] to you. 10 Who [with reason] despises the day of small things (beginnings)? For these seven [eyes] shall rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord which roam throughout the earth.” - Zechariah 4:8-10(AMP)
How do you build a house without laying its foundation first? How do you harvest fruits without planting its seed first? How else would you go up in life without starting from a 'down' place? Just as the scripture above says, do not despise your 'down' days. I'm sure it wasn't fun when Zerubbabel was saddled with the responsibility of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem just as it wasn't fun when Jesus had to be born and go through all that human stress considering He was God. God could as well have waved a magic wand to rebuild Jerusalem and to make Jesus appear as a full grown man in all His glory on earth. Rather, He chose the 'down' path to lift these ones up alongside several other people in scriptures.
God has something great for you if only you open your heart to learn and receive divine direction. Whatever level you're presently in, maximise it. Do all you have to do as unto God (Colossians 3:23). Men would only give you wages and awards that don't last. God is the one who truly rewards you eternally. Stop being in a hurry to attain the 'up' place. Recognise and accept that God is the true judge of success, and that His timing is best. Even in this seemingly obscure position you're in, if you're right before God, you're a success! Your profiting can only be obvious to all when you allow God lead you through this season without jumping the gun. But when you refuse to acknowledge the place of little beginnings and hurry up the ladder, you're giving pride and hautiness a large chunk in your life. Once they set it, it is just a matter of time before everything comes crashing down.
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18(AMP)
In conclusion, evaluate your present state in line with scriptures. Exercise patience and seek direction from God on what to do. God promised us 'daily bread' and not 'quarterly bread'. Take each day one step at a time. Do not despise your 'down' days. It is when you recognise this period, learn all that needs to be learnt and follow God through, that God Himself would move you up. Don't be in a hurry. There is no other way up than down.
Have a blessed week!