A Leader's Test of Success

However, if He should say, "I do not delight in you," then here I am — He can do with me whatever pleases Him. - 2 Samuel 15:26

As David fled his son Absalom, the priests brought along the ark of the covenant (ostensibly to guard it, but probably to instead be protected by it). When David realized that the ark had been taken, he insisted that it be returned to its rightful place beyond the veil, deducing that he had no personal right to assume God's favor. If God had indeed chosen David, the evidence would be in his triumphant return to Jerusalem, not in the presumed possession of God's symbolized presence.

The "appearance" of God's blessing and favor is not a guarantee of that fact or reality. Success in a ministry enterprise may give a leader a false sense of security and, in turn, cause that leader to assume facts that are not in evidence. God was not present in the ark and David's right to rule did not rest there. As long as David maintained a right relationship with the Lord, he would reign as King of Israel. That is all that mattered.

A leader must not look to results for the proof of God's favor, but rather to the One who causes the leader to bear the fruit that remains. If he does, then that leader is truly surrendered to the One who can do with him whatever He pleases.

Pray that success will not come any faster than you are able to endure it. - Elbert Hubbard