Let’s be honest—ministry can feel like a test. Not in the “fill-in-the-blank” kind of way, but in the deep, heart-exposing, identity-shaping kind of way. You step into leadership with a clear call, a hopeful heart, and the best of intentions, only to find yourself face-to-face with moments that challenge everything you thought you knew—about God, about people, and about yourself.
And maybe that’s the point.
God does test us—not to shame us or push us away—but to reveal where our trust lies and what we’re really leading people toward.
God Isn’t Just Looking at Our Ministry—He’s Looking at Our Hearts
In Exodus, God rescues His people with miraculous power. He parts the seas. He crushes Pharaoh’s army. He brings them out of slavery.
But freedom didn’t mean ease.
Just weeks into their journey, they’re hungry, thirsty, and unsure. And that’s when the tests begin. Not because God was being harsh—but because He was after their hearts.
“The Lord—the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth.” – Exodus 34:6
That verse—right there—is our anchor. God’s testing isn’t cruel. It’s compassionate. He’s not trying to trip us up. He’s helping us walk upright.
Test #1: Will You Remember What God Has Done?
Before they ever hit the dry places, God showed up:
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- He saw, heard, and knew their suffering (Exodus 3:7–8).
- He acted with covenant power (Exodus 6:6–7).
- He fought for them at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13–14).
- They worshiped Him for the victory (Exodus 15:1–3).
But as soon as things got uncomfortable, they forgot. And honestly—so do we.
We forget the answered prayers, the open doors, the healing, the clarity. We forget how God brought us through that last hard thing, and instead of trust, we grumble.
The question is not: “Will you pass the test?”
The real question is: “Will you remember who God has already proven Himself to be?”
Test #2: What Do You Do with Bitterness?
Three days after the Red Sea miracle, they hit their first challenge—bitter water (Exodus 15:22–27). Their instinct? Complain. Moses’ instinct? Cry out.
God’s response? A miracle and a promise.
Leadership will bring bitter places—seasons where expectations die, people disappoint, and things don’t taste like you thought they would.
But God doesn’t waste bitterness. He transforms it. And in that test, He reveals whether we will lead from cynicism or dependence.
Test #3: Can You Trust God with Just Enough?
When the people hunger, God sends manna—but only enough for today (Exodus 16). No stockpiling. No strategy. Just daily bread.
And isn’t that the leadership test?
We want long-term plans, well-oiled systems, backup volunteers, and financial padding. But God often gives just what we need for today—so that we’ll come back tomorrow with empty hands and expectant hearts.
God isn’t interested in building our confidence in our leadership. He’s interested in building our confidence in Him.
Test #4: Will You Obey When It Makes No Sense?
In Exodus 17, the people are thirsty again. This time, God tells Moses to strike a rock.
A rock!
That’s not a normal source of water—but God provides. Because His provision often flows from obedience, not logic. Leadership will include moments that don’t make sense. God will ask you to take risks, to speak up, to forgive, to wait, to give more than you have.
And those moments? They reveal what you’re really trusting.
Don’t Run From the Test—Lean Into It
Hebrews 3 warns us about what happened at Massah and Meribah, where the people hardened their hearts in the wilderness.
“Watch out…so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” – Hebrews 3:12
That unbelief is never far off. It’s just one discouraging email. One failed event. One unmet expectation away.
Friend, if you’re feeling tested in your leadership right now—don’t run. This isn’t about passing or failing. This isn’t about performance. This is about faith. God is giving you an opportunity—not to prove yourself—but to trust Him. Let this be the season where dependence deepens. Let it be the moment where you stop striving and start surrendering. Let it be the space where you watch God move in ways you’ve never seen before.
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