Questioning Our Assumptions

This Post is from our board member Dave McCormack.

Chapter 4 of Mark Batterson's book Wild Goose Chase revolves around assumptions, and coming out of the cage of assumptions. Mark demonstrates his premise by saying "What I'm getting at is this: we make far too many assumptions about what is and what is not possible in the physical universe. We do the same thing spiritually. And those assumptions become eight-foot ceilings that limit our lives. One of the most dangerous assumptions we can make is assuming we know more than we really do." Mark adds "…the smartest people are the people who make the fewest assumptions." I truly believe he is right. Instead of making assumptions we should investigate with child-like curiosity by asking why.

Children truly are wondrous creatures. I for one can learn from God's design to the way children approach life. Children do not make assumptions. Instead, they rely on their curiosity and questioning to determine truth. After reading this chapter self-discovery revealed that I rely more on my assumptions than thorough discovery through asking why. I live in my comfortable box created by my assumptions. In reality, I could remove the eight-foot ceilings, and be free to wonder at the immense universe that God created by simply looking at life as a child would. Mark Batterson said "The bottom line is this: the more faith you have, the fewer assumptions you will make. Why? Because with God all things are possible."
Relying on our assumptions, which are based upon what our logic tells us what is true, can get us into trouble. Instead, we need to trust God more than our assumptions, be available for God to use us, and expect that He will reveal the actual truth to us. God is the author of truth. We need to always remember that and have faith.

Mark Batterson sums up this chapter when he says “If you want more adventure in your life, come out of the cage of assumptions. Don't assume that you cannot start the business or write the book or overcome the addiction or get the job or save the marriage. Quit assuming and start believing.” If we do that, the Holy Spirit can use us for what we were called to do. I for one want the adventure that chasing the Holy Spirit can bring. I want to live the life that God has planned for me and my family. To do this, I need to discipline myself not to rely on my own assumptions and question why with the faith that God will reveal the truth. Good advice?

Dave McCormack