Prime Time with God - Passing The Test
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
Today's Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the privilege of being able to commune with you through prayer. Thank you for speaking to me through your Word and teaching me through life's circumstances. Thank you for the beautiful birds that sing such a lovely song, for the sun that shines, for the rain that cools and replenishes the thirsty earth...and provides water for us to drink. I pray for those in lands where there is famine or flood; that you would balance the weather and provide their needs. Please reveal your power, your love, your presence to them in a mighty way; that they would know that you are God. With love and happiness that comes from the peace you give, Lord. Amen.
The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors - to David. - 1 Samuel 28:17b
When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader's life. God often takes each leader through four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God's ultimate call on his or her life. The person's response to these tests is the deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of responsibility in God's Kingdom.
Control
Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God's goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul 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. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus responded by washing Judas' 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 servanthood. Jesus had all authority in Heaven and earth, so 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 by-product, it can become a great blessing. Many leaders started out well - only to be derailed once prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few 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.
NOTICE: This Bible Study or Devotional is solely penned and/or owned by the person(s) or ministry who's website(s) is included. May the Holy Spirit give you understanding as you read this Devotional/Study!
"Prime Time With God, Reflecting on Faith, Work and Ministry." Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
http://www.westkentuckystar.com/Living/Faith/Prime-Time-with-God--Daily-Devotional
