Moving in Presumption

As we enter the final stretch of our season, the finish line is coming into focus. This has been a very long year with many trials. Uncertainty looms as we head into the off season. It looks like a few organizations are heading in a different direction that may affect what we do in 2017. There are 3 key words in that last sentence, looks, like and may. None of those words can be defined as absolutes.

The brain is the single most complex organ in our body. It’s made up of billions of nerves. It can think in complete abstract that allows us to come up with new ideas or create new items or ways of doing things. It can also convince you of things that are not real. Do not be deceived by your own mind.

When you have not had discussions with a given party and agreed on a specific direction, your mind can race wildly with the possibilities of what could happen with the future. Those types of imaginings can drive you to make bad decisions, ones the Lord never intended. This is why our relationship with the Lord is paramount to doing His will for our life.

Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ The world tells me I should charge ahead, that I should force the hand of those we work with. The Lord tells me I should be patient and wait for Him.

Many years ago we choose to serve the Lord and His ways. While at times I don’t understand why He does things the way He does, His path has always proven to be the best. If you find yourself in a place of needing direction, decide today who you will serve, man or our Lord. If you choose the Lord, your life will never be the same.

Blessings

Moving in Presumption
by Os Hillman

“Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp.” Numbers 14:44

The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God’s enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious.

The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in.

God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary.

Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God’s favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle.

It is important for us to know whether we have God’s hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God’s favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors.