Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.
James 4:15
As the years of my Christian life progressed through various towns and churches, there have always been precious friends around me who, whether in prayer with me or simply in daily conversation, use the phrase, “Lord willing.” It might be, “I’ll see you next week—Lord willing!” Or maybe, “I pray for perfect recovery, Lord willing.”
When I was younger in my faith, I really didn’t get it—and, in truth, it could get kind of annoying. I thought our prayers are about asking God for what we want, especially if we’re fervently praying for a dire health or financial situation. And, why use “Lord willing” as an additive to general banter with regard to our habitual activity—isn’t that kind of overkill?
But, as my own faith has matured, my grip on “my way” has markedly loosened. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior all those years ago, making Him “Lord” was so immediate. The process of fully surrendering is just that—a process.
When lifting up my family and friends, I still pray for my hopes and their ideals, whether it’s a job, healing, or freedom from some bondage. I pray for prodigals to return, tumors to shrink, souls to be saved. Of course, there are requests on my own behalf as well. But, through the years of highs, lows, challenges, blessings, and consequences, I have learned that God’s way is the only way I want to go. His thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8), and His will for me (and those I’m praying for) is perfect. When we live according to God’s Word and yield to Him in all things, the outcome will be for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28)—even if it’s nothing like what we thought it would (or should) be.
To be “sanctified” through our walk as Christians means to become more and more like Christ. So, there is no better example of “Lord willing” to emulate than that Jesus Himself. As fully God, Jesus knew exactly the agony awaiting Him on Calvary. He knew that His death would pay the price for all sin, once and for all, and that Satan would be defeated. He also knew the coming pain and suffering. He knew that serving our penalty would mean temporary separation from the Father—the most excruciating expectation for God the Son. In anticipation of what would happen, Jesus cried out to God—as fully man—for some other way. But He followed that prayer with, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:36-42).
And because Jesus surrendered to God’s will, we have eternal life in Heaven when we surrender to Him. That’s a pretty convincing reason to let go of our will, recognizing that everything will be better when we pray, plan, and profess, “Lord willing.”
encouraged by grace 