The Difference Between Planning and Presuming

Aug 12, 2025

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As much as we’d like to, none of us can see the future. But that hasn’t stopped us from trying. Financial advisors attempt to forecast markets, meteorologists predict the weather, and sports fans try to call the final score.

But when it comes to our finances—and our faith—there’s an important distinction between wise planning and prideful presumption. So how do we tell the difference?

The late civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy once said, “I don’t know what the future may hold, but I know Who holds the future.” That’s a comforting truth. God is sovereign—and that brings peace. But His sovereignty doesn’t remove our responsibility to act wisely.

Biblical Planning Is a Form of Stewardship

Scripture doesn’t discourage planning—it commands it. In fact, wise planning is an essential part of faithful stewardship. God has entrusted us with time, money, relationships, and opportunities. Even though we can’t predict tomorrow, we’re still called to be faithful with today.

Proverbs 6 paints a vivid picture of this wisdom:

“Go to the ant… consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

The ant doesn’t know what’s ahead, but it prepares. Likewise, Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 to live in a state of readiness. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Though He’s referring to His return, the principle holds: life is short, time is precious, and we are not in control.

When Planning Becomes Presumption

Planning becomes presumption when we assume control over outcomes that belong to God alone.

To presume means “to assume something before you know the facts.” Biblically, presumption is often associated with pride—living as if we control the future and no longer need God’s input. This attitude is precisely what Jesus warns against in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12).

After a man harvests a bumper crop, he says to himself:

“I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones…You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”

But God replies: “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.”

The man’s mistake wasn’t in planning or saving—it was planning without God. He assumed he had time, control, and security apart from his Creator.

James 4 echoes this same warning:

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city...’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

The Antidote: Humble, God-Dependent Planning

James doesn’t say “don’t make plans.” Instead, he offers this wise alternative:

“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

This kind of planning begins with God and continues with Him. It’s rooted in trust, not control. We may set goals, but we do so with open hands, inviting God to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

This happens in the context of a relationship. As we grow in intimacy with the Lord—through prayer, Scripture, community, and obedience—our plans begin to reflect His heart and mission.

If you’re married, begin planning through prayer with your spouse. If you have kids, model this dependence on God in your family conversations. Let them see you trusting God not just for salvation, but also for your finances, schedule, and future.

Wise counsel is key. Don’t plan in isolation. Talk to a pastor, mentor, or a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) who can help you apply biblical wisdom to your financial decisions.

So yes, make plans. Just don’t leave God out of them. Hold your goals loosely. And remember: success isn’t defined by your ability to predict or control the future—it’s defined by your willingness to seek and trust the One who holds it.

Want to explore this topic further? Dive deeper into Jesus’ warning about prideful planning in our study on The Parable of the Rich Fool, titled Rich Toward God. It will challenge and encourage you to plan with humility and live with wisdom. Visit FaithFi.com and click “Shop” to get your copy today.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I have $52,000 in student loans, but my $350 monthly payment hardly makes a dent. What can I do to pay it off faster?
After my father-in-law passed, my mother-in-law was left with about $11,000 in credit card debt. Should she consolidate or try negotiating directly with the credit card companies? Also, how will this affect her Social Security benefits?
Thanks for the guidance! I was able to retire at 54 with the help of a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). Now, I spend my time volunteering with Eight Days of Hope.
If I make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from my IRA, can I still deduct that amount on my income taxes?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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