Word for the day: “Leaders, anointed by God.”
I Samuel 20:1b (NIV) What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to take my life?
Beloved Leaders,
The cost of leadership is high and part of the challenge you’ll have to embrace. God gives a special grace to his assigned leaders known as “Anointing” when we are called to service. Be advised leaders we are called to service in ministry and the marketplace, and there is a special grace (Anointing) given by God to these special assignments (Luke 4:18).
THE COST OF BEING ONE OF GOD’S ANOINTED CAN BE GREAT.
Those whom God has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a special preparation. David was anointed to be the next king over Israel. Shortly after this, while still a young boy, he was brought into King Saul’s service to play music in Saul’s court.
While there, the opportunity to stand up against Goliath elevated David for his next stage of development as the future king. As his popularity grew so did his spiritual father Saul’s jealousy. However, even Saul’s jealousy was God’s instrument for molding and shaping David. Saul finally decided he could no longer tolerate David’s success and popularity among the people, so he tried to kill David.
The confused young shepherd boy spent many years hiding in wilderness caves before he was able to see the hand of God in all of this. No doubt, David thought that when Samuel anointed him, he would be conveniently raised up to be king with all the accompanying benefits of kingship.
GOD’S PREPARATION FOR THOSE ASSIGNED OFTEN INVOLVES TRIALS.
God’s preparation of David involved much persecution, disloyalty, and hardship. These were the lessons necessary to be a godly king. God allowed many trials in David’s life, just as He did with Saul. David passed these trials. Saul did not.
Please remember most times our preparation will seem as if the Lord has forsaken us, but it actually means the Lord is preparing us. When God anoints us, it is often accompanied by some severe trials. These trials are designed to prepare us for the calling God has on our lives. Should we fail these tests, God, most times, will not elevate us to the next level (Please notice I said most times Isaiah 55:8-9)).
For a workplace believer, these trials often involve money, relationships, and other issues of the heart. When your opportunity arrives for you to go to the next dimension in your leadership life, remember preparation is what gets you ready for your next opportunity. The Lord’s preparation is what gives you the confidence to do the assignment placed in your life.
POINT TO PONDER
What if God has chosen you for a specific purpose in His Kingdom? Are you passing the trials the Lord has allowed in your life? These trials are designed to bring about greater obedience (John 14:15).
Oftentimes, it will involve great adversity. Beware of the test God may be allowing in your life before you to prepare you for His service opportunity. I sincerely believe if God brought to it, God will bring you through it.
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in January 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Judith Battle, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Sonja McRae, Mrs. Ranghill P. Walker-Philip, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,