Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14b-15
What comes to mind when you think of the phrase "change of plans?" Maybe you feel immediately overwhelmed by the thought of changing plans. Perhaps you thrive when plans change and enjoy the adventure of re-adjusting plans. Whether you love changing plans or have difficulty adjusting plans, one thing is certain: changing plans reminds us that we are not in control. Instead of relying on our plans, Scripture teaches us to surrender our plans to God, who controls everything.
James encourages us to give our plans to God in James 4. In this chapter, he warned about making plans, explaining that as much as we like to make plans, we do not know what "life will be like tomorrow" (verse 14). Because of this, relying on our plans is fruitless. There is a better way, however. James continued teaching that instead of depending on our plans, we should say, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that" (verse 15). This is a posture of surrender. When we think about our plans in light of God's and what He desires, we acknowledge that He is in control and we are not. We also surrender our plans, hopes, and dreams to Him. As I think about this posture of surrender, I cannot help but think about the words of Jesus, who prayed to God the Father shortly before His crucifixion and death on the cross, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine" (Luke 22:42). Jesus surrendered His plans, his life, and everything to God the Father. This is what it looks like to surrender to God when it comes to our plans for our lives.
Surrendering is never easy, especially for those who like to be in control. As we surrender, however, we discover an incredible truth: God's plans are always better than our own. Because He is all-powerful and all-knowing, He can be trusted. Will you surrender your plans to Him today?
When it comes down to it, we must surrender our plans to God. Take a few minutes to do just that. Pray this prayer: "God, I surrender my plans today to you. You are in control and the ruler over everything, and I trust you. I echo the words of Jesus today who prayed, 'I want your will to be done, not mine.'" As you surrender your plans to God today, remember He is the one who holds everything together, and He can be trusted.
James 4:13-17
"Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog-it's here a little while, then it's gone. 15 What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it."
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