Field Of Dreams: Delays– Failed Tests

I call Heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His Voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NKJV)

The Lord tests the hearts.

Proverbs 17:3 (NKJV)

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.

Psalm 66:10 (NKJV)

The Lord of testing is an “IF–THEN” God.

  • IF we obey Him, THEN He blesses us.

  • IF we disobey Him, THEN He does not.

  • IF we practice what He tells us to do…

  • THEN we gain favor and He helps us pass!

From our Father, Who is our Principal, should we expect less in His lesson plan? *

NOTE: Even in our finite understanding, we know parents who spoil their kids aren’t wise.

To give them freedom without boundaries… is like giving them the keys to a car when they’ve never taken driving lessons. They haven’t learned the rules and passed the test. IT’S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!

They’ll slip off the path and land in a ditch. The result?

  • At best, their future success is delayed.

  • At worst? It’s not good. Success is denied.

The children of Israel got delayed in their journey from Egypt to Canaan. Eleven short days to the Promised Land turned into a 40-year roundabout– because they kept failing their Father’s tests. **

Therein, they were destined to repeat them… until they passed or left the playing field (which happened through death)!

What were these tests God’s people didn’t pass? They included faithfulness, truthfulness, self-denial, humility, and LOVE!

What if every choice we make is a test? Like what we eat, think, say, or do DAILY. Like where to go and the friends we hang with. Like whether to give, forgive or give thanks--even when it's hard. What if our choices affect more than us– not just family, but unknown others?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: What if YOUR success is more dependent on passing God's tests… than man's auditions?

Because if God is your real Boss (He IS), getting good roles is up to Him (not them).

Because lost fans are searching for leaders.

COULD THEY BE THE LAMBS WHO HAVE STRAYED FROM GOD’S FLOCK?

To help them, buckle down and pass His tests.

  • Study His Book as your primary Lines!

  • Follow Jesus as your perfect Model.

  • Therein, you’ll skip the delays of failed tests.

Field Of Dreams: Delays– Failed Tests (Part 5)

* God's blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are detailed in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2026&version=NKJV; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2028&version=NKJV

In case you think obedience to God's Word is just an 'Old Testament' practice, consider these Words of Jesus: 'If you love Me, keep My Commandments' (John 14:15).

** Commentary on the tests taken by God's children, which the Lord said were tests for Him as well: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/numbers/14-22.htm

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban