Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 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. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
— James 4:13–15
Have you ever been caught off guard by an unexpected change in a situation you were completely sure about? Have you ever made bold guarantees based on future expectations? Despite having little certainty about what lies ahead, we are often tempted to make decisions based on our own assumptions... We learn to plan and make commitments based on gut feelings about the future—things we simply cannot guarantee.
Through today’s verses, we learn that both life itself and the ability to do anything come solely from God. He is not bound by our schedules. We can dream and make plans, but tomorrow does not belong to us. If you stop and think, you’ll realize you’re not in control and cannot guarantee anything in your life. That’s why it’s so important to include “if God wills” in your plans and dreams—trusting humbly in the Lord, who is all-powerful.
Depend on the Lord and trust in His will:
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Pray and place your day and all your plans in God’s hands.
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Thank Him for your life, for the victories and milestones you’ve reached.
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Dream and plan for the future, always remembering that God is the one who has full control over everything.
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Submit to God's will. Add the phrase “if God wills” to your speech, your decisions, and your future plans.
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Entrust your path and future to the Lord. Your plans will succeed if He allows them to.
Prayer:
Lord God, You are sovereign! Thank You because all of life is under Your control. Forgive me for assuming that I can always manage my life and future. I surrender all my dreams and plans to Your care. Help me to trust in You and in Your love for me—today and always. Amen.