Three Crucial Tests

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

For not from the east or from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up. (Psalm 75:6)

A career is something you choose; a calling is something you receive from God.
A career is something you do for yourself; a calling is something you do for God.

When God calls us, we have to be well prepared. God has not called the qualified but qualifies the 'called'. What do I mean by this?
 
Then Moses said to the Lord, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."

So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now, therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." But he said, "O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send." (Exodus 4:10-13)
 
God called Moses to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt. But Moses felt his lack of speaking skills disqualified him from pursuing God's plan. This did not stop God from using him.
 
God has called each one of us for a purpose. However, before we can fulfil that purpose and call on our lives, we have to be faithful in the 'seemingly little' things that we are doing currently.

One has to be faithful in 'little things' first before one can get centre stage. Before David became qualified to rule as a King in Zion, he first had to be found faithful in three places. Examine them carefully, for you, too must pass these three tests:

1. At Home in Bethlehem:
This is where David learned to be responsible; to earn a living and support his family, to develop his relationship with God, and to overcome the resentment of others because of God's favour on his life. Someone said, "Charity begins at home." It is here you become qualified to handle bigger assignments by being faithful in smaller ones. It's here your character is developed and your dependability proven.

David was faithful in handling his father's sheep. He was ready to fight with the lion and the bear for them. God saw this faithfulness and made him shepherd over His people. God is looking for sons and daughters who will take care of the father's business and not spiritual gipsies who only keep wandering around.

2. In the cave of Adullam:
By living among the misfits and the rejects of society, David learned to give himself to others without expecting anything in return. To love and serve even when his life was under attack. This was the place David's 'mighty men' were prepared. 'Adullam' is where our kingdom dies and God's kingdom is showcased through us. It is here that God deals with every self-seeking, self-serving motive in our hearts. Sadly, some of us never make it to this cave.

3. On Mount Hermon:
The word 'Hermon' means covenant. Mount Hermon was the highest mountain in Israel, and there was no easy road to the top; it was uphill all the way. And it is this way with all covenant relationships. Covenant relationships always require loyalty regardless of circumstances, truthfulness regardless of cost, and forgiveness regardless of the pain.

When we begin to live in this manner, the world will look again to Zion (the church) for answers because they'll see God working in us.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You for grace to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which I have been called with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.