If the Lord Wills: Surrendering Our Plans to God's Sovereignty
Text: James 4:13-15 (KJV)
"Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, 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."
Introduction:
In a world that glorifies self-sufficiency, planning, and control, the words of James strike a profound chord. He reminds us of the fragility of life and the sovereignty of God. Today, we will explore what it means to live with the mindset of "If the Lord wills," surrendering our plans, ambitions, and lives to the One who holds tomorrow in His hands.
1. The Illusion of Control (James 4:13)
James begins by addressing those who make grand plans without considering God. They say, "We will go to this city, stay for a year, conduct business, and make a profit." On the surface, this seems like responsible planning. But James exposes the underlying problem: pride. They assume they have control over their lives, forgetting that life is unpredictable and entirely dependent on God.
Application: How often do we make plans without consulting God? We map out our careers, relationships, and futures as if we are the masters of our destinies. But the truth is, we are not in control. Life is fragile, and our plans can be overturned in an instant. Let us humble ourselves and acknowledge our dependence on God.
2. The Brevity of Life (James 4:14)
James paints a vivid picture of life: "It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Life is fleeting, like a morning mist that disappears with the rising sun. No matter how much we achieve or accumulate, our time on earth is limited.
Illustration: Think of a sand timer. Once the sand starts flowing, it cannot be stopped. Each grain represents a moment of our lives, slipping away. We cannot add a single grain to the timer, but we can choose how we use the time we have.
Application: Are we living with eternity in mind? Are we investing our time in things that matter to God, or are we consumed by temporary pursuits? Let us live with purpose, knowing that our days are numbered.
3. The Surrender of Sovereignty (James 4:15)
James provides the antidote to pride and self-reliance: "For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." This simple phrase, "If the Lord wills," is a declaration of surrender. It acknowledges that God is in control and that our lives are subject to His divine plan.
Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul frequently used this phrase in his letters (Acts 18:21, 1 Corinthians 4:19). Even Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done" (Luke 22:42). This is the posture of a heart fully submitted to God.
Application: How can we incorporate "If the Lord wills" into our daily lives? It begins with prayerful planning. Before making decisions, big or small, we should seek God's guidance. It also requires trust, believing that God's plans are better than ours, even when they don't align with our desires.
4. The Blessings of Surrender
Surrendering our plans to God is not a loss; it is a gain. When we say, "If the Lord wills," we experience:
Peace: We no longer carry the burden of trying to control everything.
Purpose: We align our lives with God's eternal purposes.
Provision: We trust that God will provide for our needs according to His will.
Illustration: Imagine a kite. When it is held tightly, it struggles to fly. But when it is released, it soars freely in the wind. Similarly, when we release our plans to God, we find true freedom and fulfillment.
Conclusion:
James challenges us to live with humility, recognizing the brevity of life and the sovereignty of God. Let us adopt the mindset of "If the Lord wills," surrendering our plans, dreams, and futures to Him. As we do, we will discover the joy of walking in His will, trusting that His plans are always good, perfect, and pleasing.
Call to Action:
Today, I invite you to examine your heart. Are there areas of your life where you are holding tightly to your plans? Surrender them to God. Pray, "Lord, not my will, but Yours be done." Commit to living each day with the attitude of "If the Lord wills," and watch how He transforms your life.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that You are sovereign over all things. Teach us to say, "If the Lord wills," in every area of our lives. Help us to trust Your plans, even when they differ from our own. May we live with eternity in mind, using our time wisely for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment