Presumption Versus Faith

Stand down! I’ve heard that said many times over the years in person, on TV and the radio. It’s always said in a command voice and means to urgently stop doing whatever you are doing and step back from the situation or person. It nearly always is meant to prevent harm or death, especially in a military of police setting.

One of the hardest things for any Christ following type ‘A’ person to do is wait on the Lord. We can see things happening and often want to ‘assist’ Him in moving a situation forward. This is not what He wants. Isaiah 40:31 tells us this, ‘but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’

It is through faith and personal experience that has allowed me to release my life into His hands. When wrongly accused, I let Him defend me and He has. When we lost several contracts earlier in the year, I did not scurry around trying to fill the dates, I waited for Him to bring us work…and He did it abundantly! This happened because we refused to take control of our life with our own hands, we waited for Him.

Look at where you are today and ask yourself, is this what the Lord wants me to do or is He asking me to stand down and wait for His direction? If you are not sure, then it’s time to seek His face and find His will for your situation. Do not be presumptuous in your actions like David was when he attempted to move the ark outside of the Lord’s will, it could cost you dearly.

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.