“For that you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’.”
James 4:15
Clay’s responsibility is to lie quietly and pliable on the potter’s wheel; it’s the potter’s responsibility to decide what to do with it (Jer. 18:1-6).
Presumption.
It’s a twin of pride and inherent within the sinful Adamic nature. That’s why we say “Today or tomorrow I’ll go into such a city and continue there a year and buy and sell and get gain” (James 4:13).
But, it doesn’t always work out that way, does it, Pilgrim?
No, it doesn’t.
The stock market will take a dip. Hot stocks that attracted investors soon are not worth the paper they’re printed on. Inflation, recession and unscrupulous, greedy CEOs “break in steal, kill and destroy” (Jn. 10:10a), turning a once-enviable financial portfolio into a coffin of shattered dreams of “what might have been.”
Or, perhaps the “treasures” were more relational. What started out as a “dream” turned out to be a nightmare. Divorce, desertion and death have a way of doing that. Why, then, do we put “all of our eggs in one basket”. . .forgetting to say “Lord, Thy Will be done”. . .and then feel devastated when everything turns to ashes because of “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21)?
Much better is prefacing everything we say or do with the words, “If the Lord wills.” This is not a fatalistic, passive resignation, “Que sere, sere” statement—for our sovereign God still gives us the freedom to choose. But, it is a positive relinquishment of our lives in absolute surrender to His loving care.
And, we need not wonder if He will lead us astray or change His Mind—for He simply wants the best for us (Ps. 139:17-18; Jer. 29:11-14). Truly, He has promised “to work all things together for good IF we love Him and are fulfilling His calling/purpose in our lives” (Rom. 8:28).
“Boast not yourself of tomorrow—for you know not what a day will bring forth” (Prov. 27:1).
True words of wisdom from the mouth and pen of King Solomon. That’s why at the start of each day we should spend time with the Master, “pray, seek His Face and repent of any revealed sins of attitude sand action” (II Chron. 7:14). Then, before arising for the day, we should pray, “Lord, I don’t know what’s going to happen today, but You do. I don’t know if there’ll be joy or sorrow, but You do. I don’t know who you’re going to lead across my path, but You do. Help me to be sensitive to Your Voice, responsive to Your Will and to love others as You have loved me.”
Then, arise, go forth in confidence, knowing the Holy Spirit will “direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6) and “guide you into all truth” (Jn. 16:13). Do not be surprised at the burning bushes you encounter or the “angels you’ll entertain without knowing it” (Heb. 13:2). The Heavenly Father has prepared this day for you; live it for His Glory.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 27, 2010
