Hey Friends,

We all encounter tests of many kinds. Most of us endeavor to pass the tests. The Lord will test us to bless us and the devil will tempt us to destroy us. If you are like me, you have failed many a test and you have passed some.  Remember, even Abraham failed some of his tests of faith and he is the father of faith.

One test that is considered the mac-daddy of tests for a leader is success. How will you handle it if God answers your prayers and you see revival, souls saved, and great growth? This is an issue I talk to myself about often. When I travel now it seems that someone knows me everywhere I go. I hear people whispering, (not always good). Let me give you some traps the enemy has laid for us:

1. Stealing God’s glory. Once God has done it, it is easy to take credit for His favor and miracles.

2. Feeling superior to others that are not where you are. Size is not the marker of success or godliness. As a matter of fact, comparing to someone else’s ministry or another church is never good. No matter which way you lean, it is probably wrong.

3. Thinking God has to keep it up. Past blessing does not mean God is duty or honor bound to keep it up. He must be pursued with great passion and total dependence on Him, not our giftedness.

4. Developing a critical or judgmental attitude. There is no quicker way to run God off. When you get around a group of very “successful” pastors it is easy to point fingers. This is sooo wrong. Some of the most godly pastors and  leaders I know are at smaller works. Just because it is smaller is it any less significant? NO!

All of us are asking the Lord to bless and let us see and experience His hand. Be ready and don’t fall into the traps laid for the blessed. Trust me, I have experienced these and more.

Love you,

Pastor Chris