Am I the only one who often assumes things will be a certain way just because I want them to be? Or my assumptions may come from what I’ve been told is a fact, and I believe it. Assumptions are, by definition, things accepted as true or as sure to happen without proof. Assumptions are not based on promises and can lead us to false securities.

“Assumptions are dangerous things to make, and like all dangerous things to make — bombs, for instance, or strawberry shortcake — if you make even the tiniest mistake you can find yourself in terrible trouble.”

Lemony Snicket

My Assumptions

Take my case, for instance. I assumed I would live a long, healthy life because I was putting in all the work for that to happen. The health and fitness industry had told me that working out and eating nutritiously would result in a long life. I walked the walk, and then I lost my lungs.

I’ve questioned God about my situation. I’ve told Him I don’t understand how this could have happened. According to all my education in this area, I was doing everything right!

The more I contemplate this issue of assuming my health was something I would never have to worry about, the more I’m reminded that it was my assumption, not His promise.

You see, never once did God promise me I wouldn’t face a health crisis; I just assumed. Never once did He promise I’d be a personal trainer and nutrition coach for the rest of my life; I just assumed. Never once did He promise my life wouldn’t be turned upside down or that it would always be easy; I just assumed.

Don’t get me wrong; I firmly believe it’s our responsibility to care for our bodies. I still agree that exercise and healthy diets are essential. I know I wouldn’t have survived my 2020 health crisis had I not cared for my body diligently. But because of medical issues, I’ve learned not to assume I can avoid upsets even when I believe I’m doing everything right.

Instead, I strive to lean on what the Lord promises.

God’s Promises

He will give me rest. – Matthew 11:28

He is with me, and He will strengthen me – Isaiah 41:10

He will lead me when I follow Him – Proverbs 3:5-6

He is my refuge in times of trouble – Psalm 9:9

He will give me wisdom if I ask – James 1:5

He will give me strength when I’m weary – Isaiah 40:29

He will forgive me when I confess – 1 John 1:9

He can be trusted – Hebrews 10:23

He has a plan for my life – Jeremiah 29:11

He is preparing a place for me – John 14:3

Although I would like to go on assuming I will live a long and healthy life, the reality is I may not. But the promises I mentioned above bring me peace in those moments when my mind takes me to the dark places of living as a double-lung transplant recipient.

Let’s not live solely under assumptions. We have a book that reveals the very promises of God, and it’s the only book we can completely trust to be true.

These are just ten of His promises to us. There are so many more, and I encourage you to scour your Bible for them.

His Greatest Promise

As I ponder, I’m reminded of those who assume they will spend eternity in heaven as long as they’re good people. This is the most dangerous assumption we can make, and it’s certainly not one of God’s promises.

Let’s venture once again into God’s word to see His most precious promise to mankind:

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Everyone who calls on the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

He saved us not because of our righteous actions but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Oh, my friends, God promises us a place in heaven with Him for eternity. But we can’t earn our way there. Jesus has invited us into a personal relationship with Him. All we have to do is accept His invitation to follow Him. When we do, we become His heirs and receive the gift of salvation.

Your Assumptions

If you’re already a believer, hallelujah! But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop to reflect. Ask yourself what assumptions you may be living under that don’t align with the promises of God. Write them down if you feel led.

The Lord’s promises are greater than our desires could ever be.

May we never make assumptions about the most essential things in life; instead, search the Word for God’s promises and live our lives based on truth.