The Private Process

Before God elevates someone publicly, he often processes them privately. So, most times, when it appears that a new minister is "up and coming," they have already been through a grueling journey that has tested their faith, refined their character, and isolated them from people who could not keep up or didn't understand them.

• For Elisha, he left everything behind and even burned his past to the ground to follow Elijah. Together, they faced threats and backlash. Only then did he inherit a double portion of Elijah's mantle and perform double the miracles.
• David was trained in the field as a shepherd protecting the flock, and even after being anointed, he endured attacks from the king he served wholeheartedly. Only after remaining in faith, honor, and servanthood did he inherit the throne.
• Joseph was ridiculed, rejected by his family, sold into slavery, and falsely accused. Only after his character and obedience were tested did the door open for his freedom and heavy promotion into high authority in the palace.
• Paul had to have a harsh, corrective encounter with Jesus that blinded him and left him at the mercy of another disciple. Only after three years of intense discipleship and spiritual maturing was he able to join the original disciples and shake hell.

When someone skips the process and jumps straight to the stage for fame and recognition, the spiritual immaturity and lack of wisdom can visibly be seen. That's why many leaders fall; they were unprepared because they skipped the training. But when someone has walked through the fire of God's process, their visible presence may seem new to some people, but they've notably been in God's presence for some time, even to the point where they need to reintroduce themselves to people who knew them before their process begins.

Many covet the title, notoriety, speaking engagements, and spiritual gifts but try to skip the process of refinement and impartation. The anointing is costly; it cannot be purchased, ordered online, or received at a drive-thru. Certificates, degrees, and development courses are excellent, but actual development happens secretly and doesn't always look pretty.

If you have felt like you've been isolated in a season of growth away from the public eye, you're in good company. Don't desire the platform before the process! Many have received titles and authority from men that God never ordained. Many have skipped the process and become cheap imitations of the true anointing by copy-pasting revelations from legitimate people and ordering titles and ordination certificates online in desperation to appear publicly relevant before they're even processed for a platform.

Be careful what you ask for. Having a desire to be used mightily by God is beautiful, but this kind of discipleship comes at a cost. You will lose friends, endure gossip and slander, old wounds will surface that need healing, you will be misunderstood, your character will be tested, and sometimes your mental health will take a hit. But if you endure and do it God's way, it will be worth it!

For those who have gone through the process, you know. You can recognize the truth from the false and have the ability to see the potential many possess. Pour all you have into those who are willing. We must lift the next generation and prepare them to run their race.

Some encouragement to those who have the desire to embrace the process. Not man's process but God's. Submit yourself to Him. You will face trials and tribulations. You will experience seasons of increased warfare. You will come face to face with your insecurities. But stick it out, remain faithful, and God will elevate you at the right time. And remember, we do this for the Kingdom, not for ourselves. It's about the outcome, not the income. We are here to serve, not be served.