It can be tempting to fall back on routines and policy manuals when addressing new situations. If the system worked last time, why change it? Three times David inquired of the Lord as to whether or not he should engage the enemy soldiers in battle. Three times God gave him the green light and assured him the victory (1 Samuel 23:1-4; 30:8, 2 Samuel 5:19). But the fourth time David asked for direction, the Lord advised a new tactic – to wait and watch for a sign before taking on the foe (2 Samuel 5:23). David could have taken victory for granted and employed the same battle strategy that had worked previously. But he would have been tragically mistaken. Had he presumed to know God’s plan, many men would have needlessly died and he could have lost a strategic battle. The key to victory is not the method or attempting to replicate past successes; it is a relationship with God. God knows exactly what is needed for every situation. Assuming to know God’s heart and mind in a matter promotes methodology and weakens our relationship with him. But seeking the Lord in every circumstance acknowledges our dependence and guarantees the victory. Spiritual leaders cannot afford to be presumptive. They must rely on the Lord.