And first, let them be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them be appointed.
1 timothy 3:10 (CJB).
God intends to groom male and female sons of God who are partakers and inheritors of His fullness. His desire is to have many Sons who are leaders and kings in glory. For this reason, we have been exploring tests that we could possibly face as leaders and how to overcome them, so that when we are tried, we may come forth as gold.
The Wilderness Test: 1 kings 17:1-16. Psa 23:4
This is when you find yourself In a dry and weary place. When we go through a season with no obvious fruit coming from our ministry or life. If you find yourself in this season, you are in good company. All who have been relevant in the Lord’s hand had their wilderness season. Joseph had been promised an estate of leadership, but for thirteen years of his life, he was a slave. When it seemed like he was being promoted because of the seed of leadership and greatness in him, He was thrown again into the dungeon for a crime he did not commit against Portiphaar, Genesis 37-40. David was anointed king, but for a season, between 1 Samuel 20 and 31, he was not acceptable to his brethren, except those who were destitute in the land. Moses had his season when he fled from Pharoah to dwell in the land of Midian, Exodus 2:15,23.
In this wilderness season, we do not see the obvious promise of God being fulfilled. Sometimes, we can’t hear or feel anything from God, our prayers seem dry, and the heavens are brass. It may even appear as though God has put us on the shelf, doing nothing productive for weeks, months, or even years. More than likely, God is purifying and/or refining our call.
Passing this test – means loving and worshiping God no matter where you are in your spiritual journey: Mountain top or Valley low, the desert, or the dessert seasons. We would need to use this as a time and season to build character and your trust in God and not let His silence deter you from your calling. Here God wants you to learn to lean on and cling to Him. He makes rivers in the desert. There are certain Sons who pass through valleys and make it a well. They pass through the desert and fountains of living waters spring up. To them, the wilderness becomes a fruitful ground and a place of Joy as Isaiah 35 says. Why? Because they have learned that God is with them whatever the situation. Being fruitful here means producing the fruits of the Spirit as seen in Galatians 5:22-25.
Beloved, if you are in such a season now, know that God is always there as a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, even though the land may look dry. To pass this test, you must be moved by what you believe to be true about God and not what your senses tell you. Only then, will you see the Eternal Rock, Christ, that always follows you in the Wilderness, 1 Corinthians 10:4.
Prayer for today: Father, I thank you because you are always with me. You always hear me and because I am Your sheep, I can hear Your voice. Lord, even in seasons where it seems like You are far, you never left and will never leave. Help me not to focus on the harshness or dryness of the wilderness. In every wilderness season, let me never lose sight of that Rock that is higher than I, that supplies me with living waters. Your Holy Spirit is always within me, instructing me. Teach me to lean on You that even in the Wilderness, I will bear fruits of righteousness. Amen.
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