Perilous Presumptions

Have you ever assumed something was true, but later found out that it wasn't true? I have, and I have to say that it has happened to me more times than I'd like to admit. Growing up, my poor self-image and insecurities fueled my misunderstanding of other people's motives. I became overly sensitive and easily offended. Knowing who I am in Christ has revolutionized my perspective on life. What others think about me does not dictate who I am; who I am is dictated by what God says about me. That goes for all of us.

Misunderstanding other peoples' motives can be dangerous. It fractures families, finishes friendships, wages wars, and isolates individuals. 

Last month I shared about Naaman's servant girl who offered valuable information that led to Naaman's healing. Her life must have turned upside down when she was taken away. Despite what happened to her, she decided to not live as a victim. She knew the value of Living Victoriously in an Upside Down Life.

The King of Syria sent his Military Captain Naaman to the King of Israel asking for him to heal his servant. The King of Israel, Joram at the time, became furious. He assumed that the King of Syria was setting him up for failure and was looking for an opportunity to accuse and take advantage of Joram. Joram assumed the King of Syria's intentions were of war and deception. He said, "What!?! Am I God, to kill and to make alive?...I see how he seeketh a quarrel against me." 

Elisha heard about what was going on and intervened. Otherwise, this story could have taken a very different turn. Who knows what could have happened? Elisha "delivered" the King of his perilous presumption and provided understanding and healing. 

I am so thankful that Christ intervened on our behalf. He provides forgiveness and healing. When we listen to Him, He will help us see things from a proper truthful perspective. If we receive the correction with humility, we will begin to understand the truth, be able to forgive, and be healed emotionally.

Think of how many families that didn't need to be fractured. Think of how many friendships were not meant to be finished. Think of the wars that didn't need to be waged. Think of the Individuals who have Isolated themselves into loneliness. We live in a fallen world and because of that, we find ourselves in these situations. Jesus is the Answer.

Are you someone who assumes others have wrong motives towards you? Are you easily offended by what others say? The next time we assume something about someone, let's take it to Jesus first. The Prophet Elisha came to the King of Israel; Jesus came to us.

Granted, there are people who do have selfish ambitions and only think of themselves, but the Perilous Presumptions will cause us to incorrectly believe that about everyone and become overly sensitive and easily offended...I know, I've been there.

Maybe this concept is foreign to you. Praise the Lord! But, it is real for many people. My prayer is that those who do have these Perilous Presumptions would be able to humbly recognize it and seek the Lord for help.

If you have been offended by anything in this post, I would urge you to honestly consider yourself in this area. You are loved! God has such a great plan for your life! He thinks so highly of you and always wants the best for you.

I'm so glad that God is Love and He loves us. That truth makes the idea of Perilous Presumptions seem silly.