Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” James 4:15
If given the chance, children have a lot of ideas of things they could do in a day. They can come up with a whole itinerary worth of activities centered around them. But a parent ultimately is control of transportation, finances, and balancing the bigger goals for the family as they direct the ideas of the little one.
As believers, we often forget who is ultimately in control and the one who is not only our Savior but also our Lord and the director of our decisions and our days. When we live life on our terms, we may have much activity but still ultimately not accomplish anything. When we include God in our plans and recognize His authority and place over us, we invite His plan and purpose for our lives instead of trying to direct them ourselves.
Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” We are called not only to keep God in mind as we make our plans but to submit our plans before Him along the way. It is not wrong to plan, and in many instances it is necessary, but it is also vital that we remember God has the true authority in our lives and our plans.
- What does it look like to ask God to direct your life? Is this something you do regularly? Why or why not?
- What are some reasons we make our own plans instead of going to God? What are some ways you have done that?
- Pray about your plans and ask God to redirect you as needed.
