SHUN FAMILIARITY AND ASSUMPTIONS

08/22/2024

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:13-14).

Too often, some of God’s people fall into the trap of making assumptions or relying on familiar, commonsense solutions to navigate life’s challenges. But who told you the economy will be stable tomorrow? Who guaranteed that job you’re eyeing? How can you be so sure that the solution you seek is the obvious, straightforward one? The root of these assumptions often lies in forgetting that we are not our own.

"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1 Corinthians 6:20, NKJV). It's not our place to make absolute decisions about our lives; that responsibility belongs to the Lord. When we try to take control, we risk unnecessary stagnation and frustration. Instead of relying on earthly assumptions, James 4:15 offers an alternative: "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" Those who remain conscious of the Lord’s will in their lives make fewer mistakes because they prioritize His guidance.

Listen, you can’t see beyond the present moment. So how can you assume that you can choose a career, plan a vacation, or respond to adversities without first consulting the Lord? Consider David, who, even after losing his family and the families of his men, sought the Lord’s direction before embarking on a rescue mission (1 Samuel 30:1-8). Or think of King Jehoshaphat, who, despite facing a formidable alliance of three kingdoms, still asked, "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?" (2 Kings 3:11, NKJV).

If you haven’t heard from the Lord, don’t get comfortable with the situation and assume a course of action. Proverbs 20:5 reminds us, "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." God’s counsel is available to you if you seek it out. Relying on familiarity and assumptions leads to loss. The person who takes this path is no different from a driver who believes they can text and drive simultaneously without crashing. Familiarity and assumptions are dangerous, saints.

Approach every situation in your life with humility. Wait for the Lord’s guidance before making decisions.

Have a great day.

Faith-Filled Confession

I turn my heart to God. I always seek His counsel first before making decisions. My victory is thus guaranteed every time. Hallelujah!

Prayer Direction

1. Pray against every claim of the spirit of rebellion on our children, declaring that it will be futile. Affirm that our children belong to the Lord.

- Psalm 127:3: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward."

2. Pray that our children bring honor and joy to their parents throughout this school year. Pray against any attempts by the enemy to use our children to hinder the grace of God in our lives.

- Proverbs 15:20: "Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother."

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-104; 1 Corinthians 4