7.1.10

"A Validation or a Test"

2 Kings 18:13 - 19:37
Acts 21:1-17
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 18:8

Have you ever been in a position where you wonder if something on your heart was of God? Or have you ever thought you were moving in the will of God, but through circumstances you really began to doubt whether this was of God or not?

Paul is in an interesting dilemma in Acts 21. In 21:4 it says, "We went ashore, found the local believers and stayed with them a week. These disciples warned Paul -- the Holy spirit prophesying through them -- not to go on to Jerusalem." in 21:10 a man named Agabus with the gift of prophecy took Paul's belt and said "The Holy Spirit declares, "so shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem & turned over to the Romans." verse 12 says, "Hearing this, all of us - the local believers and his traveling companions - begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem."

So, you're Paul what do you do? These are your friends... your trusted spiritual companions. These are believers. This must not be of God, right? Scripture says there is wisdom in Godly council...

So how do you know???

Bruce Wilkinson has a great training series called "The Vision of the Leader". One of the main things he speaks of is the difference between a "validation" of a vision, and a "test" of a vision. We went through this teaching as a staff, and Pastor Dennis summed it up best when he said, "A validation is to see if God is in the vision, and a test is to see if YOU are!"

When we receive direction from the Lord, there is a sequence of the birthing of this vision that we all go through. Many times, though, we get really mixed up in the difference between a validation of the vision and the test. Being able to recognize the difference can help us greatly to weed through the noise of life and walk confidently in obedience to God's direction.

Remember we are "EMPOWERED through Biblical Training". If we were to only look at Acts 21, we would think that "It doesn't make a difference what others say, I can do things my way... Paul is a mature believer, and I want to be one, so that's what I will do." Zoom out a bit. Look at Acts 20.

These prophecies are NOT inconsistent with what God has ALREADY spoken to Paul. Acts 20:22-23, "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead."

Many of us would do as the believers around Paul were doing: "There's going to be trouble, so God must not be in this." When in fact, their prophecy of the trial further VALIDATED that what was on Paul's heart WAS of God. As they're urging Paul "Don't Go!" in his mind he's thinking, "God, you are awesome."

Now is the test part. We know God is in it. Is Paul? Everyone around him is telling him what his flesh wants to hear: "you don't have to go through this." What's his response? What would yours be?

Is Paul in the Vision? Acts 21:13, "But he said, 'Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem, but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.'"

He KNEW what he was called to do. At the surface, it would seem that the attempt by the believers would send him off course, but in reality, it served to only refine him, and to seal God's purpose in his heart.

It's important that as we mature in Christ, we begin to recognize the difference between a validation and a test. This comes as we grow in living the DREAM.

I feel the need for a disclaimer:
I want to be cautious here, and remind you that in living the DREAM we are pursuing the BALANCED Christian Life. As I look through this teaching I'm concerned that some may use this to go OUT of balance, and do their OWN thing. Remember the principles behind DREAM: Obedience, Submission, Discipline, Responsibility and Purpose. Paul did not walk away from any of these things in following God. He did not forsake "Relationships Devoted to Unity". in verse 15, they left for Jerusalem TOGETHER. Make sure that we are using this checklist as we increase in the recognition of the voice of God in our life.

In what God has called you to do, make sure that first GOD is in it, and understand that there will be tests to come to determine if YOU are in it!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ