Assumptions play a crucial role in forming a hypothesis when starting new scientific research. A hypothesis is usually developed by predicting the outcome based on existing evidence, which is then tested before the research begins. In everyday life, people often make assumptions when concrete evidence is lacking. For instance, if we don’t know the exact temperature of a place we plan to visit, we might estimate it based on our own or others’ past experiences. Such assumptions can help us prepare and adapt to some extent, reflecting the idea that “something is better than nothing.”
However, making assumptions about a person’s character or behaviour can sometimes strain relationships. In the business world, assumptions are essential for promoting growth. Companies analyse market trends and make decisions to improve product quality or maintain it while increasing visibility through captivating advertisements and memorable slogans that resonate with customers. But how effective are assumptions when it comes to expanding the Kingdom of God? Is it necessary to make assumptions about how, when, and where God is planning to use us?
Why Do We Make Assumptions?
A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets! – Proverbs 26:13 (NIV)
We often make assumptions because we have idle time or a lack of focus on more meaningful tasks. For example, when we try to predict the weather of a place before visiting, our assumption gives us some sense of control or preparedness. However, assuming things about the future, interpreting someone’s behaviour, or self-diagnosing an illness based on minor symptoms rarely benefits us. Instead, it can mislead us, waste our time, and disturb our peace of mind. This is because the information on which we base our assumptions is often incomplete and limited by our personal knowledge and understanding.
Assumptions are frequently rooted in ego — the belief that we know everything or can uncover the truth through someone’s words, actions, facial expressions, or body language. For instance, if we see that someone has deleted a message they sent us, we immediately start speculating about why it was deleted. But doesn’t that person have the right to act as he wishes? Perhaps the message was deleted due to a simple mistake. Whether we assume positively or negatively, it consumes time and mental energy that could be used more productively.
Similarly, in our spiritual lives, assumptions can prevent us from understanding God and the truth in His Word. We may wonder why God isn’t answering our prayers or healing our sickness, and start forming conclusions. Some assume that God only cares about spiritual growth and not physical healing or worldly blessings. Others believe that unanswered prayers result from a family curse or simply because God’s timing hasn’t arrived. These assumptions are shaped by worldly thinking and our limited understanding of God’s nature.
Becoming Doers of the Word
Peter, who was quick to make assumptions, encourages us to trust God and let go of our preconceived ideas. Assumptions often arise when we fail to understand God’s care and plan for us. By setting aside our assumptions, we create space to experience His truth and guidance more clearly.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
If we want to act upon this word, becoming doers of God’s Word doesn’t happen instantly, as many people mistakenly believe about God’s promises. For His Word to truly shape our thoughts and actions, it must first take root within us. We spend years absorbing harmful and corrupt information from the world, which shapes our thinking and brings us distress. Yet, we rarely consider the time and effort it took for these thoughts to become ingrained in us. However, when it comes to following God’s Word, we expect immediate transformation. While God has the power to bring instant change, such quick results wouldn’t teach us how to live by His Word consistently. That’s why God wants us to choose His Word willingly, rather than simply yielding to the distractions and influences of the world.
Becoming doers takes time, as it requires us to first let go of our ego. As long as our ego remains, we may appear to be following God’s Word, but in reality, we’ll just be putting on a performance for others. This is where many people fail—once we start fooling ourselves and others, it becomes harder to genuinely live according to His Word. Pretending to follow God is easier than truly following Him. It’s like someone pretending to sleep—they won’t wake up even if you try to wake them. By pretending to be righteous to gain name, fame, and wealth, they overlook the truth that embracing their true selves could lead to eternal reward.
Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. – Psalms 39:6 (NIV)
Many misunderstand Jesus’ calling. Some are willing to embrace it wholeheartedly, while others turn away, finding it too difficult. This is because Jesus calls us to deny ourselves before following Him (Matthew 16:24). Some interpret this as a call to live as hermits and reject the notion altogether. Others take the challenge seriously, giving up jobs, family, and comforts.
However, even in their sacrifice, they may still miss out by focusing on teaching God’s Word eloquently rather than actually living it. They assume that since they have made sacrifices, they are now qualified to instruct others. Instead, when we deny ourselves, His true teachings change our lives, and our lives draw people towards Jesus.
Outward Gestures
The truth is that Jesus didn’t call us to become hermits—He called us to become whole. True wholeness comes when we let go of our egos and the assumptions they create. When we overlook this simple truth, we end up tormenting ourselves through empty rituals that bring no real inner change. Paul reminds us that while our outer bodies may grow old and weak, our inner selves are renewed day by day. This renewal happens when we stop performing outward rituals to show us righteous, instead focusing on inner transformation will change us completely.
Moses’ face glowed after his close encounter with God, but today, many people try to imitate that glory through makeup and digital effects to enhance their appearance, believing it reflects God’s favour on them. However, Job’s transformation showed no outward sign of glory—it was internal. He grew spiritually mature, even to the point of praying for those who had hurt and discouraged him. True change happens within, not through outward displays of righteousness, cosmetics, or digital enhancements. When young people see preachers focusing on outward appearance and certain gestures as their signature style, they often adopt the same patterns, believing it reflects true spirituality. For this reason, Paul brought out the importance of the growth of inner selves.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
True Learning
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.- Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV)
Although Jesus clearly explained how He would teach us, many people still cling to their own assumptions about God and His Son. They often view God as a strict ruler who imposes His Word through rigid laws and harsh punishments. In pursuit of self-purification and personal growth, they turn to rituals, yet miss the heart of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus asks us to let go of our ego and surrender its consequences to Him as His true followers, trusting that He will take care of the rest. How will He do this?
Trying to understand it through human reasoning leads only to assumptions limited by our understanding, not by how God thinks and works. Even after spending three and a half years with Jesus, His disciples struggled to let go of their ego and ambitions, which ultimately shattered their assumptions. The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:19-21) illustrates this truth as a lesson for us. When God’s ways differ from ours, no matter how sure we are of our assumptions, we cannot even begin to grasp a fraction of God’s greater plan.
What assumptions are we holding on to today as we follow Jesus? We often have ideas about Jesus’ second coming — about the time and place — even though Jesus Himself told us that only the Father knows. Do we feel satisfied or spiritually elevated when we step onto holy ground during a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection? Are we still seeking to witness the empty tomb while overlooking the testimony of the Holy Spirit already living within us? Do we visit these sacred places to align ourselves with others who have shared their own powerful experiences, shaped by their personal assumptions?
Let us ask God to help us let go of our ego so we can rely on Him, whether we understand His ways or not, because what God intends will surely come to pass. When our ego is gone, we will stop making assumptions about how, when, and where God plans be benefit us. Instead, by trusting Him, we will align with His purpose and work alongside Him even before we realise it.
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. – Job 42:2-3 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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