The 3 Tests Every Man Will Face on the Road to Greatness

Greatness isn’t automatic. Every man who wants to live a life of significance will face tests on the road to fulfilling his God-given potential. In Episode 177 of The Impossible Life Podcast, Garrett Unclebach breaks down the 3 essential tests every man must pass on his journey to greatness.

If you’re ready to lead yourself and live at a higher level, this is your blueprint.

Why These 3 Tests Matter

The road to greatness is littered with men who never finished the journey. They got discouraged, settled for less, or lost sight of who they were. Garrett shares that every great man in scripture—and in life—had to pass these same tests.

“God tests men before He trusts them with greatness.”
—Garrett Unclebach

If you’re feeling tested right now, you’re not being punished—you’re being prepared.

Test #1: Defy Discouragement

Every man faces discouragement. It’s inevitable. The test is whether you’ll give in or rise up.

Garrett highlights David as an example. In 1 Samuel 30, David returns to find his camp destroyed and his men ready to kill him. What does he do?

“David strengthened himself in the Lord.”
(1 Samuel 30:6)

What This Test Looks Like:

• Feeling abandoned or misunderstood

• Facing opposition or betrayal

• Experiencing failure that makes you question your calling

How to Pass the Test:

✅ Encourage Yourself Daily
Stop waiting for external encouragement. Speak truth over yourself.
✅ Go to God First
David didn’t look to men—he looked to God. So should you.
✅ Remember Your Calling
Go back to the promise God gave you. Stand on it.

Test #2: Surpass Limitations

The second test is whether you’ll accept your limitations or surpass them.

• Physical limitations

• Mental limitations

• Emotional limitations

• Circumstantial limitations

Garrett shares his personal SEAL training experience. Most men quit because of perceived limits, not actual ones.

“You can go farther than you think. Your body isn’t the limiter—your mind is.”
—Garrett Unclebach

What This Test Looks Like:

• Hitting the wall and believing “this is as far as I can go”

• Settling for “good enough”

• Listening to fear or fatigue over truth

How to Pass the Test:

✅ Challenge Your Limits Daily
Do hard things on purpose. Build resilience.
✅ Renew Your Mind
Replace lies about what you “can’t” do with God’s truth.
✅ Refuse to Settle
Surpass limitations by living with intentional discomfort.

Test #3: Lead Yourself First

You can’t lead others if you don’t lead yourself. The final test is whether you’ll master yourself before trying to influence anyone else.

“Leadership starts with self-leadership.”
—Garrett Unclebach

What This Test Looks Like:

• Neglecting personal discipline

• Failing to manage emotions

• Wanting authority without personal accountability

How to Pass the Test:

✅ Establish Daily Discipline
Lead your body, your time, and your thoughts.
✅ Master Your Emotions
Stay steady under pressure. Don’t let circumstances dictate your response.
✅ Live With Integrity
What you do when no one’s watching defines your leadership.

The Common Denominator: Responsibility

Each of these tests comes down to one thing: Responsibility.

• Will you take ownership of your life?

• Will you lead yourself when no one else is around?

• Will you keep going when it’s hard?

God promotes those who pass the tests of self-leadership, faithfulness, and resilience.

Practical Action Plan: Pass the Tests Now

✅ Encourage Yourself Daily
Write down affirmations rooted in God’s Word. Speak them out loud every morning.

✅ Challenge Your Limits
Do something uncomfortable every day—whether it’s a tough workout, a hard conversation, or a bold act of faith.

✅ Lead Yourself First
Build a personal leadership plan.

• Morning routine

• Bible reading & prayer

• Fitness

• Rest & recovery

• Relationship investment

Final Thought: Greatness Requires Testing

Greatness isn’t handed out—it’s earned through testing. If you’re being tested right now, you’re on the path. Stay in the fight. Pass the test. Step into your calling.

“The men who pass these tests become the men God trusts with greatness.”
—Garrett Unclebach

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