Recently, a friend asked me this question, after sensing God’s clear prompting to become a candidate in his company’s search process for their new CEO, only to make it to the final four and not be selected. The search committee even communicated that he was a leading candidate for the next time the CEO position became available. Here’s my answer to his insightful question.

Preparation of your heart and hands. If this has happened to you, God and your organization have both communicated to you that you would lead. Now it’s a matter of accepting your new journey of preparation. This is similar to David being anointed by Samuel, then waiting and being prepared during Saul’s reign. Here’s insight into King David’s journey:

“He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them” (Psalms 78:70-72).

Integrity means “complete.” God is completing your heart and bringing the skills to your hands. In fact, we could insert your name and your current and future roles in place of David’s above. You might try it and read it out loud.

While he was young, almost every subsequent King of Judah experienced the same preparation through a co-regency with an older monarch. Even Jesus waited until the appropriate time to announce His Kingdom. Each knew his eventual role, but the preparation was paramount, similar to our position as believers on this earth, now.

Now you are free to grow with a clear perspective of the leadership role, void of any unhealthy ownership as God prepares your heart and hands. It’s an enjoyable place to be.