"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." James 4:14-15
Many of us use the phrase, "If it be the Lord's will, I'll be there, or I'll . . ." I know you can relate to what I'm saying here. And then there are some of us who don't seek the Lord's will in our planning. This brings to mind the speech you normally hear at most graduation ceremonies, where they say "You can be whatever you want to be!" The intention of that speech I believe is to inspire higher goals and greater ambitions for the graduates there. Yet, while we all appreciate encouragement, as Christians we are wary of any promise that leaves God out of the picture.
James noted that even we Christians are sometimes tempted to make our own plans without considering the will of God. We, who live under a loving God, depend on His good pleasure. When we plan for the future, we must seek guidance and direction from Him. As we add, "If the Lord wills," we are doing much more than tacking on a pious phrase. Those words express our willingness to change or abandon our own selfish plans in favor of God's design.
Life brings disappointments and questions to all of us. And often we find ourselves asking, "Why?" Well, you can probably answer your own questions if you did not include God in your decision in the first place. If you truly know the Master Planner, you can accept His way for your life. Then to all your dreams and wishes and prayers we can add, "If the Lord wills." Remember, the God who sacrificed His own Son to redeem us will not let you down!
May God bless you with a wonderful week as you seek His will for your daily plans.
Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
