“The Power of Even an Obviously Imperfect Leader”

“¹⁷ Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” ¹⁸ And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.”

(1 Samuel 1:17-18)

            It is an amazing thing that God will use such imperfect people to partner with Him to do the work of His Kingdom. How ridiculous we must look before heaven when we take ourselves so, seriously! When I look at the life of King David, when I look at the life of the Apostle Paul and the shocking statements he made about himself in Romans seven; when I look at some of the leaders God has placed in my life through the years and when I look at my own life, it is incomprehensible to me as to why God keeps using us to partner with Him.

Now, there may be some that think that they are the best thing in the world since sliced bread. Their arrogance is indeed nauseating! Can you imagine if the whole world would be able to see on a giant TV screen all of the things we have done in our secret places? Can you imagine if God makes our thoughts open to the public? Can you imagine if God showcases our thinking? Without God we are destined to get what we truly deserve: eternal hell! However, in all and through all, we must remember that our leaders, even in their humanity, are leaders who carry certain authority on this earth.

Here we see Hannah being mightily blessed by Eli. The result of the man of God’s blessing lifted Hannah emotionally. It was indeed an emotional miracle. When the man of God, even in his mess, declared, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him,” depression and frustration were lifted out of Hannah and faith was activated. The Bible tells us here: “So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” I strongly believe that in the life of every believer God will raise a leader whose job is to bless us right into our destiny. The warning for us is to be cautious that we won’t be blindsided by our leader’s issues and miss the blessing that he/she carries for us. When we look at David and his dealings with Saul, who in an unjustly way wanted to kill him, we are able to see that same blessing taking place.

Beloved, there is a difference between a false Prophet or false Teacher and an Imperfect Godly Leader. God’s elect are human just like you and I. We must learn to discern the difference; it is essential for our growth in the process of transition.

TO BE CONTINUED!