Not Presumed

Faith still listens

Beloved Friend,

It is a new week and I have been thinking about presumptions.

Last week, I wrote about desire. How longing, when aligned with God and held without doubt, creates room for possibilities. That part is true and it stands firm. Scripture backs it. Experience confirms it.

However, there is a subtle danger that sits close to desire, and that danger is presumption.

Presumption is when we assume God’s involvement without God’s instruction.

Presumption is running ahead of God while using His promises as justification.

Presumption is holding the word while ignoring the way.

Presumption is treating God like a formula instead of a Person.

God is consistent in character, not repetitive in methods.

Someone shares a testimony and suddenly we are asking very serious questions.

What direction were you facing when you prayed?

Was it morning devotion or night vigil?

Did you fast or just whisper it casually?

Your friend met her husband during midweek service and now midweek service has become your personal dating strategy. You were not that committed before, but suddenly Tuesday is sacred. Not because of Jesus alone, but because your future spouse might be sitting two seats away.

Another person testifies that they boldly walked up to a CEO’s car, handed in their CV, and got employed. You gather courage, walk up to another CEO, stretch out your CV, and security flung you two streets away. Now you are confused and wondering why God is unfair.

Same God. Different instructions.

The problem is not that God failed. The problem is that we assumed He would repeat Himself.

Many of the promises we love in Scripture are not floating statements. They are anchored to obedience, posture, timing, and instruction. When we cling to the promise alone and discard the instruction attached to it, frustration becomes inevitable. I no fit lie for you, this has been a cause of frustration for me in the past.

God promised Abraham a nation. That promise was true and firm. Still, Abraham had to wait, listen, move, and trust. When he tried to assist God with his own idea, Ishmael happened. God did not fail, but presumption complicated things.

The Israelites were promised the Promised Land (see what I did there?😉). Yet an entire generation did not enter. Promise did not cancel obedience. Victory yesterday did not mean they could fight today without asking God first. When they tried, they lost badly.

Scripture also tells us about the sons of Sceva who tried to use the name of Jesus like a magic password. They presumed power without relationship. The result was embarrassment and injury. Authority does not work without intimacy.

Faith is not assumption.

Confidence is not carelessness.

Hope is not guesswork.

Boldness is not recklessness.

Presumption says God must bless this because it makes sense to me.

Faith asks God if this is what He is blessing.

Some blessings respond to obedience, not enthusiasm. Scripture says if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. Willing alone is not enough. Obedience without willingness is also incomplete. God cares about posture.

This is why continuing this new year on assumptions is risky.

Assuming that because God came through last year, direction is optional this year.

Assuming that because someone else’s method worked, yours must be identical.

Assuming that silence means approval.

God speaks. Sometimes clearly. Sometimes quietly. Sometimes through delay. Presumption rushes. Faith waits.

This year is not the year to turn testimonies into templates.

It is not the year to quote promises without seeking instructions.

It is not the year to desire loudly and listen faintly.

Desire must be followed by discernment.

Faith must stay teachable.

Boldness must remain submitted.

The safest place this year is not in assumption.

It is in daily dependence.

May this be the year we do not just want what God wants to give, but we also walk the way He wants to give it.

Lest I forget, I know it might be new year, old you, but biko, jo, change this year and share this with those who ought to be part of this family. We don’t gatekeep over here, okay?

I love you, with the love of the Lord! ❤️❤️❤️

With thoughts of kindness,

ABBA’s Shofar