When you need encouragement, you can’t necessarily count on a Bible scholar to give it!

I once had an opportunity to speak with a published professor from a Christian University. He seemed to take an interest in me, and asked what I thought my next step in life might be.   I told him that I was planning on studying at Dallas Theological Seminary where I would prepare to do ministry.

He immediately reacted , “How much money have you saved?”   This was not the kind of question I expected from a man of faith!

With embarrassment I told him, “$1,000.”  He shot back again with an authoritative tone, “Don’t go!  Don’t go until you have lots more saved!”   The implication was, “You won’t make it unless you go loaded.”

I began second guessing my goal.  The man had a doctorate in the ways of God.  He also had wallet wisdom.  He happened to be footing the bill for his son who was a student at DTS at that time.

Who was I to disregard his admonition – and yet – God put it in my heart to study there.  And I took His promise literally. “And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

In early August I gathered up my goods, my wife, two kids, and my thousand bucks and headed to Dallas. I didn’t have the money yet to pay for my first semester’s tuition or buy books or to rent an apartment.  BUT by the first day of class I did.

God miraculously provided.  And I continued to have what I needed before each term began.  I graduated on time with no debt.

So, here’s a question!  Did I presume upon the provision of God?  Did I make a decision which forced God to cover it.  I don’t believe I did.  He directed me to go to Seminary and I have learned that, “God funds what God wills.”

That money was necessary to do His will.  So, He supplied as promised.

Is it even possible to presume upon the provision of God?   It is! 

We presume upon the provision of God…

– when we go where God does not will. 

If He wanted me to stay home and be a plumber, He would not have made it financially possible to do Seminary.  God does not fund what God does not will.

– when we confuse our wants with needs. 

He promised to provide for our essential needs.  According to the Sermon on the Mount these needs are food, clothing and housing.  (Matthew 6)

– when we expect God will fund our every financial decision. 

         Let’s suppose that 80% of my budget goes to needs, and 10% to wants. (setting aside 10% for giving.)  But I decide to buy a bigger house with a much bigger mortgage payment.   

Is God then obligated to increase my income to fund that decision?  No! It means that now 88% of the budget will go to cover needs, leaving 2% to spend on wants. 

– when we cheat on God.

         The promise God made to the Philippians was premised on that fact that they were generous givers.  They supported the ministry of Paul to the point where they impoverished themselves. (Philippians 4:10-18)  

God does not require a tithe from the New Testament believer, but He does expect us to give.  Paul wrote, “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.  (1 Corinthians 9:7)

It really is foolish to presume – like the time I naively asked one of our ladies at church when her baby was due.  Hey, take it easy on me.  Her top looked like maternity wear.

You, however, are much wiser – so be careful about presuming on the provision of God.   

A Prayer: Lord sometimes the distinction between faith and presumption is not clear to us.  Please give us the wisdom we need.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 

Scripture passages are from the NETBible ®