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.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:13-17
Even Christians can have misplaced priorities. We can make our own plans without regard for the responsibilities God has placed in our life or the ministry He wants us to accomplish. James warns that being in the wrong place, doing something other that what God wants (if we know it) is sin. So how do we discern God’s will? By prayer and exposure to His word and the counsel of godly men and women. It really begins with a philosophy that acknowledges that God actually does have a plan for our lives.
Do I believe God has a plan for my life? I sure do. Am I in the sweet spot of His will at this time? Yes. Am I doing all that He has called me do in responsibility and opportunity. Mostly.
God, I thank you that You have placed vivid pictures in my mind of what I am to be and do. You have graced me with children for a short season more. Twenty-six years of marriage to a wonderful friend and beautiful woman, has always felt like a blessing, never a burden. In this season of life and ministry, please reveal day by day where I should be. Lead and guide. Empower me to accomplish what You want.
