"I have become an alien in a foreign land" (Exodus 2:22).

God's preparation of a leader involves training, extended times of waiting, pain, rejection, and isolation. Are you ready to sign up?

Moses was brought up in the court of Pharaoh. He had the very best of everything -- education, clothing, food, and personal care. But there came a time when the man God would use to free an entire people from slavery was going to have to learn to be the leader God wanted. At age 40, when most of us want to be thinking about winding down instead of beginning a new career, Moses was forced to flee to the desert.

Like Joseph and Abraham, Moses had to endure some difficult years of preparation that first involved removal from his current situation. He went from notoriety to obscurity, from limitless resources to no resources, activity and action, to inactivity and solitude. And, most importantly, waiting. And waiting. And waiting. He probably thought he would die in the land of Midian.

Then one day, a full 40 years from the day he arrived, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. Everything changed. God said, "It is time." The years had seasoned the vessel to prepare him to accomplish the work.

God is preparing many business people today. The circumstances may be different. The time frames may not be quite as long. But the characteristics of the training are still the same. Do not try to short cut the desert time of God. It only leads to cul de sacs, which force you to revisit the lessons you are meant to teach. Embrace them, so that He can use your life for something extraordinary.