There is a difference between prudent preparation for the future and prideful presumption based on overconfident human calculations about what that future may hold. Preparation for possible future developments—both good and bad—is wise and is commended by God. When motivated by faith, such preparation is consistent with the revealed will of God. By contrast, presumption about the future, based on human efforts alone, to solve problems or reap benefits—without regard to God’s guidance—comes from human pride and self-will. Noah’s Ark was completed by Noah’s patient persistence and prayerful preparation. It was a work of faith and trust. The Tower of Babel, on the other hand, was a work of human presumption and pride and was a colossal failure, a waste of human energy and time.

Presumption often results in strategies calculated to succeed with or without God’s presence or blessing. With such a view, returning to Egypt and slavery seemed an acceptable option to the unbelieving Israelites when their faith was tested in the wilderness.

Too many people leave the “risk” (the step of faith) to a few and plan to jump on board only after they see physical evidence of success. Tragically, those failing to exercise faith push the promise of the future even farther into the future! When the Israelites rejected the faith-filled exhortations of Joshua and Caleb they subjected themselves to forty years of wandering and most of them never reached the Promised Land. “Yes,” you may say, “but that is ancient history.” Doesn’t the Word of God say that “All these things happened to them as examples for us?”

Allow me to bring all this into today’s perspective. Have you ever wondered, as I once did, “How in the world could the Israelites have been so doubtful right after being shown the powerful provision of God?” About fifteen years ago the Lord taught me a serious lesson that I will never forget. At that time I was very hesitant to act on something that I felt was a powerful leading of the Lord. Instead of dismissing it, I asked for a “sign;” I asked the Lord to do something that I felt to be quite impossible. Within minutes the impossible did happen and I was in amazement. Did I act immediately, as I should have, and follow the Lord’s leading, as I had promised? No, I foolishly postponed my obedience.  Within months, I clearly understood the lesson I was taught; I realized, “I am of no better caliber than the Israelites, nor are the people of this age immune to their folly.”

Today, across Canada, Christian principles are being trampled and too many believe that there is little that can be done. I can say with certainty, that the leadership of the Christian Heritage Party has prayerfully sought God’s direction and we believe otherwise.  We want what the future holds for Canada as a great, God-honouring nation and we are preparing for that future. In our preparation, accepting the status quo of declining moral values is not an option, nor is waiting another twenty-five years.

This is not a matter of whether or not God is on our side, but whether or not we are on His. Over the past month we know that some members have grasped the vision and direction the leadership of this party has prayerfully sought out and have chosen to run with it. They are eager to take on new roles in the Christian Heritage Party and they see the potential of the Promise campaign to radically transform the party. Some have chosen to step out in faith through a monthly commitment of financial support. We are grateful to those who have stepped forward so quickly. We encourage those who have made verbal (or mental) pledges to complete the action and forward their support so that we can take the next steps.

We appeal to those in our ranks who have become tired and discouraged—those who are longing for the Promised Land—those who have nearly fainted waiting for success, results, an elected MP, something tangible: stand firm with us! Now is the time! Every great work has a time of testing. We need your efforts and assistance now to move our party forward and achieve the goals and the mandate given us twenty-five years ago. This is not the time to hesitate.

We trust you are praying for this nation and seeking God’s direction. Presumption leans upon what can be seen only and ignores the unseen realities of God’s provision, protection, and guidance. But, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not [yet] seen.” (Heb. 11:1.)

Our national leadership believes that direction has been given and we have done our best to lay out our plans so that you can share our excitement. Perhaps during the busy Christmas season, some of you have not yet had a chance to read about nor to consider how you can best participate. Please spend some time at our Promise website.

You can help end these years of wandering by making your commitment today. While the tax benefit for your contribution makes a monthly donation very affordable, it is insignificant compared to the fulfillment of the vision that The Promise holds for this party and for this nation. Click here and make a difference today.

I again pray with you for a blessed New Year full of the promises of God—promises that never fail!