Preparing for Testing

A central concept of leadership development is that the process of becoming a leader is just as valuable as reaching the destination. Leaders often strive to get to a certain position or achieve specific goals. But it is the tests and trials they face along the way that truly shape them. Rather than seeing the challenges as obstacles, leaders should view them as essential elements of their growth.

The Bible offers numerous examples of how God uses tests to prepare His people for leadership. For example, 1 Peter 5:10 says, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." This passage emphasizes that suffering and challenges are part of the process through which God strengthens His people. Tests are not punishments. They are opportunities to grow and to become more like Christ.

Many leaders make the mistake of thinking that they are doing something wrong if they face testing and adversity. In reality, these challenges are often God’s way of preparing you for greater responsibilities. Pastor Alex notes that when she was younger, she was “blindsided by the tests and trials,” assuming that she was being punished. However, over time, she learned that these tests were for her growth and betterment.

One of the most powerful metaphors for leadership testing is the wilderness. In the Bible, the wilderness represents a time of testing, refinement, and preparation. Jesus Himself was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days, where He was tempted by Satan (Luke 4:1-13). This period of testing was not a punishment but a necessary preparation for His public ministry.

The wilderness is a place where familiar comforts are stripped away, and leaders are forced to rely on God in new ways. Pastor Alex notes that when you are in the wilderness, “you’re going to have to figure out new ways and new skills with things that you’ve never used before.” This season is a training ground where God teaches leaders to think outside the box, to rely on His voice, and to develop tools they will need for future challenges.

The wilderness is also a place where leaders are tested in their identity, purpose, and commitment to God’s will. Just as Satan tempted Jesus to take shortcuts to His destiny, leaders today are often tempted to abandon their calling or to compromise their values for the sake of expediency. However, as Pastor Alex emphasizes, “don't bite the bait.” The wilderness is a time to stand firm in your faith, to resist the temptation to take shortcuts, and to allow God to lead you through the process.

Another significant test that leaders must face is the test of patience. In a fast-paced world where results are expected immediately, learning to wait on God’s timing can be one of the most challenging aspects of leadership. The speaker provides a valuable piece of advice: “Get used to patience, exercising this beautiful virtue.” Patience is essential because God’s timeline is often different from ours, and leaders must learn to trust that His timing is perfect.

Impatience can lead to poor decisions, frustration, and a sense of failure when things don’t happen as quickly as expected. However, as leaders grow in patience, they develop the ability to wait for God’s perfect plan to unfold. Pastor Alex shares how her own impatience led to frustration in the past, but looking back, they realized that God’s timing was exactly what was needed.

Two other common tests in leadership are dealing with discouragement and feeling overlooked. Every leader will face moments when they feel like giving up, especially when their efforts seem fruitless or when they face repeated setbacks. The speaker encourages leaders to “pass the test of discouragement” by continuing to persevere, even when the outcome isn’t what they expected.

Feeling overlooked is another challenge that can be particularly difficult for leaders, especially in environments where recognition and promotion are valued. However, being overlooked is not necessarily a negative experience. The speaker suggests that sometimes God allows leaders to be hidden for a season as part of their preparation. Just as Joseph was hidden away in prison before becoming the number two leader of Egypt, leaders may need to go through a season of being unseen before God brings them to the forefront.

Finally, one of the most difficult tests leaders face is the test of promotion. Success can be just as challenging as failure, if not more so. When leaders achieve their goals and begin to experience recognition, influence, or wealth, they are often tested in how they handle that success. The speaker warns that "the greatest leaders are not the ones that face no tests, but the ones that pass the test of success."

Promotion can bring out a leader’s true character. Will they use their success for personal gain, or will they continue to serve others with humility? The speaker notes that the best leaders are those who “when entrusted with much, they don't hoard it, they give it away.” Passing the test of promotion means staying grounded in the values and principles that guided you during the process of growth.

Two other common tests in leadership are dealing with discouragement and feeling overlooked. Every leader will face moments when they feel like giving up, especially when their efforts seem fruitless or when they face repeated setbacks. The speaker encourages leaders to “pass the test of discouragement” by continuing to persevere, even when the outcome isn’t what they expected.

Feeling overlooked is another challenge that can be particularly difficult for leaders, especially in environments where recognition and promotion are valued. However, being overlooked is not necessarily a negative experience. The speaker suggests that sometimes God allows leaders to be hidden for a season as part of their preparation. Just as Joseph was hidden away in prison before becoming the number two leader of Egypt, leaders may need to go through a season of being unseen before God brings them to the forefront.