Can We Be Guaranteed Success - If We Obey God?

I was reading the book of Deuteronomy this morning. I was enlightened because selling real estate these days is pretty darn tough. I was looking for some new perspective, and here's what I found. The verses that caught my attention were:

Deut 28:8 ... "The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you."

Deut 28:12 and 28:13 ... "The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail."

So what does this mean? Is success promised to those of us who obey God?

Generally, yes. However, this promise was made to the nation as a whole, not to individual people. The promised prosperity was intended to witness to the surrounding nations that Israel served the one true God. God would make Israel powerful (a leader among the other nations), "the head, not the tail." And, God wanted them to share their prosperity with the less-fortunate of the community, so that they could also have their needs fulfilled.

Typically, when we follow God's ways, we will have more success than when we go our own way. Still suffering comes because we live righteously. But, God has promised to bless those that obey him. When the wicked prosper, just remember that God's justice is not fully carried out in this lifetime.

Also, if you like scripture, I tweet scripture a couple times a week: http://Twitter.com/RealtorTemple

Have a blessed day!

- Temple