How can we discern God's will to avoid acting presumptuously today? Setting the Scene “ But the LORD said to me, ‘Tell them, Do not go up and fight, for I will not be with you; you will be defeated by your enemies.’ ” (Deuteronomy 1:42) Israel had just refused to enter the land when God commanded it (Deuteronomy 1:26-32). After judgment was pronounced, they tried to charge ahead anyway (1:41-44). The result? Certain defeat, because God’s presence was not with a presumptuous plan. What Presumption Looks Like • Acting on yesterday’s word instead of today’s guidance • Basing decisions on hurt pride or fear of consequences rather than obedience • Rushing ahead without verifying that the Lord is truly leading Principles for Discerning God’s Will 1. Hear before you move • “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • The Spirit still speaks through Scripture, quiet prayer, and a yielded conscience (Romans 8:14). 2. Submit to His timing • Israel’s window to enter Canaan closed; their later enthusiasm could not reopen it (Numbers 14:42). • “ He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 3. Confirm with the written Word • God never contradicts Himself (Psalm 119:160). • If an impression clashes with clear Scripture, reject the impression—Scripture wins every time. 4. Seek godly counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Mature believers help spot blind spots and test motives. 5. Watch for the Lord’s presence • Moses refused to move without it (Exodus 33:15-16). • No presence, no power. No power, no victory. 6. Guard against fleshly motives • Saul sacrificed unlawfully to save face (1 Samuel 13:8-14). • Check: Am I driven by fear of people, pride, or impatience? 7. Test the spirits • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Spiritual discernment protects from deception and presumption. 8. Look for confirming peace • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). • Peace is not mere comfort; it’s the Spirit’s umpire saying “safe” or “out.” Warning Signs We’re Moving Ahead of God • Hasty decisions without prayer • Ignoring red-flag Scriptures • Pressure to prove something to others • Loss of inner peace and joy • Closed doors forced open by manipulation Cultivating a Responsive Heart • Regular time in the Word tunes our ears to His voice (John 10:27). • Daily surrender keeps motives clean (Luke 9:23). • Thankfulness keeps us sensitive instead of entitled (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Living It Today • Pause before major steps; ask, “Lord, are You in this?” • Hold plans loosely—“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). • Expect His guidance; He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8). With hearts that listen, wait, and obey, we avoid the tragedy of presumption and walk securely in the center of His will. |
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