Faith Versus Presumption

How do you make big decisions in your life? I’m not talking about what clothes to wear or food to eat, I’m talking about BIG decisions like should I marry that girl or buy a new truck or take my company in this or that direction type of BIG decisions.

In our house, if we are going to spend big dollars on something, it will go through a round of discussions before we decide one way or the other. My wife is the greatest sounding board I have when it comes to these types of decisions. Yes, I’m ultimately responsible, but would never consider making any big decision without her input. She has a very keen level of discernment I see in only a few other people in my life. When I’m looking at life through rose colored glasses, she helps me see things clearly.

Who can you point to in your life that has this same level of discernment and impact on your decision making? I suspect if you look around you, the Lord has already supplied you with plenty of good people to help you along the way. It may be a simple matter of opening your eyes.

Blessings

Faith Versus Presumption
by Os Hillman

“So she said to Abram, ‘The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.’ Abram agreed to what Sarai said.” – Genesis 16:2

Presumption is based on our own reasoning. Abraham and Sarah fell into presumption when they got too old to have children. God had promised a son to Abraham and Sarah – a son who would fulfill His promise to birth a nation. But Abraham and Sarah were past the normal age for childbearing. So, they concluded that God needed help to work out His plan.

Many workplace believers make the same mistake every day. We make assumptions about what we believe God is doing and wants us to do. However, before we really have full assurance that God has spoken to us on the matter and revealed His perfect action plan, we move forward with our steps to get it done. How do we protect ourselves from presumption? The Proverbs tell us that there is safety in a multitude of counselors (see Prov. 11:14 KJV). Submitting our decisions to others for confirmation protects each of us from the deceit of our own heart. This process will protect us from presumption and encourage us to move in faith. The next time you believe God is directing you toward a specific action, consult with your spouse first, then some close, spiritual friends who will take the time to prayerfully consider your request. If you don’t have consensus, wait until you do before you move forward. God will move through this process to His desired will for the matter.