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
I don’t know about you, but I don’t generally like surprises very much—my husband of 26 years can attest to this. In fact, I love making plans. Whether it’s for the day, week, month, or year ahead, I’ve got my sticky notes, lists, and paper planner all reminding me what I will be doing and where I’ll be going when. This way, there are no surprises. Life is made up of expectations to be met and lists to conquer. It’s the perfect scenario for us control freaks—can I get an “Amen”?
And that’s all fine and dandy, except for the truth that we’re not in control. Every breath we take is because the Lord has allowed for it. When we wake up in the morning—to new mercies, mind you—it is only due to the grace of God. All those lists and schedules are great, but if our Heavenly Father deems that an unseen “Plan B” is better for us, then that’s what will happen. The Bible tells us clearly, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Now, I’m not saying that our plans are irrelevant, or that every move each day is made for us, like we’re puppets on strings. Actually, because our amazing God wants us to love Him by our own choice, He has given us free will in all things. We can watch that show or not, cheat on our taxes or not, give cheerfully to the church or not…love God—or not.
But wait, aren’t I contradicting myself? Are we in control, or are we not in control? There’s a long, complicated theological discussion in this question that has raged through the centuries, so I’m not even going to try to attempt the solve in this little blog post. But what I will say it this: As Christians, we need to understand and remember who God is. He is Sovereign, He is all-powerful, and He knows what’s best for us. We are called to be self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8), but not controlling. And when we stay surrendered to Him and remain obedient to His Word, our actions and choices will be aligned with His will. Because we want to please and glorify Him, His will becomes our will. (When we are adamant to do what we want, He’ll certainly let us…but the ultimate outcome may not be good for us—even if it “feels good” at the time.)
So, every morning when our eyes (miraculously) open, let’s give the day to the Lord. With each list made, let’s yield to Him. Since God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), let’s make our plans—and prayers—with this holy caveat: “Lord willing.”
Father, as I make my lists and plans—for today, tomorrow, and next year—let me do so with the knowledge that it’s Your will that I really want. Not mine.
encouraged by grace 