ASSUMING WRONGLY
1 Samuel 16:1-13

Looking at the appearance, or judging people, on their appearance is evidence of a wrong assumption. Assuming wrongly in the crossroads of life can easily terminate the journey in the life of any believer. Assuming wrongly can be caused by an inability to seek the face of God for the right direction. Assuming wrongly can also be caused by not being able to get the right direction from the One that has the whole world in His hands. Assuming wrongly can happen to anyone. It does not excuse anyone regardless of title or position. Assuming wrongly happened to Samuel, who was described in 1 Samuel 3:19, “…And the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” Samuel’s assumption could have terminated the destiny of all the children of Israel. When God gave him the direction of how to go about and anoint the new king for the children of Israel after Saul fumbled, Samuel assumed wrongly. Samuel went, “So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him!” (Samuel 16:6) God told Samuel in his directions, “…I will show you what you will do; you shall appoint for Me the one I name to you” (1 Samuel 16:3) Samuel, a man of such caliber, could not wait for God to show him, just as the Lord had mentioned. Right after Samuel had assumed wrongly, God responded, “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) In answering to God’s assignment, looking at the physical is evidence of not allowing the Spirit of God to take control of the driver’s seat. Samuel was looking wrongly based on his assumption, and God was not where Samuel was looking. In your areas of decision-making, have you been looking at appearance? What has been getting your attention in the process of searching for a partner? Can you trust God in your search? Have you failed Him in any way by virtue of wrong assumption? If Samuel could be carried away by looking at appearance instead of waiting for God to show him, any believer could fall for the wrong assumption.
Prayer for today: O Lord, my God, deliver me from taking any step outside of your direction. Have mercy and let me not end up in the way of wrong assumption.