Chapter 2        The Time Test

            Definition:  In the Time Test, by all outward appearances, God does not seem to

                        be fulfilling the word He gave a leader in the past.  The Time Test tries a leader’s

                        patience, forcing him to trust God to fulfill his call and ministry in His own time

                        and way.

                        PURPOSE:  Develop faith in God and patience with people.

                        BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:  Abraham (Genesis 12-25)

                        PRINCIPLE: Leaders need to develop patience and keep their eye on the goal. 

Chapter 3         The Word Test

            Definition:  In the Word Test, the leader experiences circumstances that seem to

                        nullify the written or living Word of God.  “How can the known will of God

                        possibly come to pass in my life?” is the leader’s cry during this time.  Many feel

                        that because they have been filled and called by God’s Spirit, they should never

                        experience darkness or confusion as long as they do not fall into sin.

                        But the Word Test is no accident.  In fact, God purposely allows contrary

situations in a leader’s life and ministry.  No leader is exempt from these times of

trial and misunderstanding.  During the Word Test, God has not forgotten or

contradicted His promise.  But He desires to accomplish certain purposes that are

as yet totally unknown to the leader.  If the leader endures with patience, trust,

and obedience, he will eventually find himself rejoicing in the Lord’s wisdom

and skill in the planning and use of these seemingly antagonistic experiences.

PURPOSE:  Develop a greater sense of dependence upon the Lord.  Learn to not just trust in one’s own abilities to accomplish a task.

EXAMPLE: Joseph (Genesis 37 -45)

PRINCIPLE: Leaders need to obey the Lord, regardless of what anyone else is doing.

Chapter 4         The Character Test

            Definition:  In the Character Test, the leader is surrounded by ungodliness that

                        attempts to pull him in its direction.  The leader may be tempted to sin in the lust

of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life. (I John 2:16)  In order to develop leaders with strong, godly character qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, faithfulness—God puts leaders in fiery places so they may learn to stand strong in Him.

PURPOSE: To identify areas of potential weakness so one can stand strong against them.

EXAMPLE: Samuel (I and II Samuel)

PRINCIPLE:  Leaders do not need to be corrupted by their environments.

Chapter 5        The Motivation Test

            Definition:  This is a heavenly “examination” in which God exposes to the leader

                        what inner and outer forces influence his decision-making processes.  God will

                        arrange situations to reveal a leader’s true inner intentions, thoughts, values and

priorities that cause him to make choices or act in a certain way.  A leader may not always know why he does something.  What appears to motivate him, from an outer inspection, may be a far cry from internal motives.

PURPOSE:  To purify inner drives so they can be entrusted to the Holy Spirit and in doing so be dedicated to the purposes of God.

EXAMPLE: Balaam  (Numbers 22-24)

PRINCIPLE: A leader’s chief aim in leading should be to glorify God.

Chapter 6         The Servant Test

            Definition:  In the Servant Test, a man is asked to do menial tasks that seem

below his or her high calling in God.  No menial task is below any true servant of God.  But especially before (or even during) his time of full influence.   God tests a leader to see if he or she is willing to do menial service.

PURPOSE:  To reveal the leader’s true motivation about serving people or using people and his or hers’ ability to see the task through other’s eyes.

EXAMPLE: Elisha  (I Kings 19)

PRINCIPLE: If you want to be a ruler you must first become a servant…this makes you trustworthy.  

Chapter 7         The Wilderness Test

            Definition:  In the Wilderness Test, God directly or indirectly guides a leader (or

                        future leader) into a materially and/or spiritually dry and desolate place.  When

                        no fruit comes from his life or ministry, a leader feels he is in this test.  In such

times, a leader wonders whether he or she should go on because of little success. Sometimes, a leader is left with no one else to talk to in times like this but God

                        Himself.

PURPOSE: Through difficulty and lack of success a leder learns to put his or her trust in God for desirable outcomes.

EXAMPLE: Moses (Exodus 2,3)

PRINCIPLE:  God uses are failures and inadequacies as opportunities to develop our relationship with Him if we will let Him.

Chapter 8         The Misunderstanding Test

            Definition:  The Misunderstanding test occurs when those hearing a leader do not

receive the correct meaning he or she is trying to communicate.  People may misinterpret or mistake the true significance of his or her actions, words, attitudes or motives causing a lack of confidence in them.

PURPOSE: This test challenges a leader to be a better communicator, never taking for granted that his or her instructions are being correctly interpreted.

EXAMPLE: Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

PRINCIPLE: Misunderstandings and even rejection should not detour a leader’s direction.  Communicate clearly