Presumption Versus Faith

God helps those who help themselves…while this is a great motto for self initiative, it’s not scriptural. There is a fine line between using the talents our Father has given us and self promotion. As the Lord broadens our path through the real possibility of TV production, I started to think about the opportunities we may have and the types of applications for the new venture. When you have as much windshield time as we’ve had the last 7 weeks, it’s hard not to dream a little.

Yesterday, on our final leg home from the Northern Lights Tour 2014, I engaged in such dreaming and discussions with my wife. As I talked about all of the possibilities this new program could bring, I threw idea after idea out about how we could capitalize on this new portion of our business. As I pontificated, she remained silent…that’s always a good indicator that something is my idea and not the Lord’s.

As we continued the drive and talked more about the possibilities, I realized this was me and not the Lord speaking. While many of the ideas I spoke about may come to pass, it will all be in the Lord’s timing, not mine. Her silence reminded me of that reality.

Do you find yourself on the brink of a new venture in life? If so, check with the Father to make certain it’s His will and not yours.

Blessings

Presumption Versus Faith
by Os Hillman

“The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.” 1 Chronicles 13:10

A life of faith often requires us to leave God’s work alone. Responding to a need out of a desire to help move a vision along can be the greatest challenge for a Christian entrepreneur. There is a fine line between presumption and faith.

Uzzah learned that presumption could cost him his life. He was part of the crew that was to move the ark with the help of a team of oxen. When the way became rough, Uzzah responded in a natural way. He grabbed the ark to steady it. When he did, he was immediately struck down. God said it was forbidden to touch the ark. King David mourned the death of his servant and argued with God about this loss. Walking with God in the workplace requires sensitivity to balancing our God-given talents and operating in the power of the Holy Spirit in and through our work life. A mentor once told me, “You almost have to hold back your natural gifting to ensure that God is the one who is guiding you. If not, you will not know if it is through your skill versus His hand that you are accomplishing the work.” I find this the most challenging aspect of a walk with God in the workplace.

You can only grow in your understanding of this balance by being accountable to others in the process. By having other committed Christians walking close to you, they become the safety net to keep you from presumption and the deceit of the heart. God also gives godly spouses to help many in this area.