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 God gives a special grace (Anointing) 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 of Israel. Shortly after this, he was brought into King Saul’s service to play music in Saul’s court while still a young boy.
While there, the opportunity to stand up against Goliath elevated David to 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. Undoubtedly, David thought that when Samuel anointed him, he would be conveniently raised 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 that our preparation will often seem like the Lord has forsaken us, but it actually means the Lord is preparing us. When God anoints us, it is usually accompanied by some severe trials. These trials are designed to prepare us for God's calling 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 to go to the next dimension in your leadership life, remember that preparation is what prepares you for your next opportunity. The Lord’s preparation gives you the confidence to do the assignment 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 you to it, God will get 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 2025 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. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Rita McGuffin and Ms. MoNika Ward, Mr. Jeff Ross, Ms. Regina Denson, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Philips, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Judith Battle, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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