Assumptions

Assumptions

What happens when we jump to the wrong conclusions?

God’s Response

They were badly frightened when they saw where they were being taken. “It’s because of the money returned to us in our sacks,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us as slaves and take our donkeys.” Genesis 43:18

“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!” . . . But the Lord said, . . . “Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.” Acts 9:13, 15

In the Genesis passage above, Joseph’s brothers immediately jump to the wrong conclusion. What Joseph meant for good (a reunion with his brothers), they assumed would be bad (prison and enslavement). Ananias did a similar thing just after Saul of Tarsus was converted from being a killer of Christians to being a great evangelist. Jumping to the wrong conclusions (also known as prejudice) leads only to fear and worry about what will happen next. Jumping to conclusions assumes that the worst option will happen. With the God of the universe on your side, shouldn’t you consider his helping hand as the best available option?

God’s Challenge

Be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. 1 Corinthians 4:5