"The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors - - to David" (1 Samuel 28:19).
When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader's life. There are four major tests I believe God takes each person through that determines if that person will achieve the ultimate call of God on their life. Their response to these tests is the deciding factor whether they can advance to the next level of responsibility in God's Kingdom.
Control - Control is one of the first tests. When Saul received the kingdom as king of Israel, he spent the rest of his days trying to prevent others from getting it. Saul never got to the place with God that he was a grateful recipient of His goodness to him. He was a religious controller. This led to disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because he no longer was a vessel God could use.
Bitterness - Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted follower, betrayed him. Jesus responded, knowing this was going to happen, by washing his feet. Every anointed leader will have a Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass.
Power - Power is the opposite of servant hood. Jesus had all authority in heaven and earth. Satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community, "he who has the gold rules." Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the ultimate servant leader.
Greed - This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a byproduct, it can become a great blessing. Many leaders started out good--only to be derailed once prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can blossom spiritually in adversity; there are only a few who can thrive spiritually under prosperity.
As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God's grace today to walk through these tests victoriously.
