Chapter 13      The Self-will Test

            Definition:  When a leader realizes God is asking him to do something that

                        counters his own plans or desires, the Self-will Test has begun.  God has to break

                        the self-will and personal ambition of every person He uses, so that He can trust

                        him or her to do whatever He requires in His kingdom.

                        At times, He asks us to sacrifice even good and appropriate things.  God will

                        sometimes even request a leader to do something for Him and give no logical

                        reason for it.  In not always explaining His request to leaders, God is developing

                        a child-like faith and obedience in their hearts.  This kind of simple faith is

                        always very pleasing to the Lord.  God will even ask His leaders to sacrifice to

                        Him what they know to be God’s will.  In the case of Abraham, God asked him

                        to sacrifice his son Isaac, God’s promised seed (Genesis 22:1).

                        In all of this, a man’s desires, thoughts, feelings and plans are put into subjection

                        to God’s will.  This constant submission to the Lord’s will is what true

                        Christianity is all about.  God does not necessarily prefer painful sacrifices from

                        His leaders.  But when he speaks something contrary to a leader’s desire, they

                        must quickly respond to the Word of God.

PURPOSE: This test is about a leader’s will and dream being conformed to the    Lord’s will and dream for him or her.  Learning to put God’s Word first.

EXAMPLE: Jesus Christ (Matthew 26)

PRINCIPLE: A Godly leader is willing to lay down His.her will in order to                                    accommodate the will of God.

Chapter 14      The Vision Test

            Definition:  The Vision Test occurs when contrary people and circumstances

                        besiege a leader’s spiritual insight into the purposes of God.  Natural and

                        physical vision is not enough for a leader of God’s people.  He must also have

                        spiritual eyes of faith to see God’s will and desire for His people.  The spiritual

                        “Vision Test” asks two main questions:  “Can you see the spiritual needs and

                        answers of those you lead?” and “Can you resist opposition and adversity,

                        and tenaciously hold to the vision that God has given you as a leader?”

                        PURPOSE: This test helps a leader understand how dependent they are on                                  supernatural wisdom.  They will become less dependant upon conventional                              knowledge to accomplish their goals.

                        EXAMPLE: Nehemiah  (Nehemiah 1-3)

                        PRINCIPLE:  When God’s wisdom is sought, greater good can be accomplished                          than if we do it alone.

Chapter 15      The Usage Test

            Definition:  A leader undergoes the Usage Test in his life or ministry preparation

                        when he cannot find the need, demand, opportunity, invitation, results, or

                        expected occasion to exercise his/her ministry.  Being “Put on the shelf” is a                                common description for this situation.

                        PURPOSE: Hope deferred for a time allows the leader to self-evaluate their                                readiness, exercise patience and continue to prepare for their destiny.

                          EXAMPLE: John The Baptist  (Matthew 3)

                        PRINCIPLE:  God has a right time, a right place and a right person in mind for                             every opportunity…be patient.