James 4:15 · KJV
"For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
King James Version
What does James 4:15 mean? →Passage Context
Devotional Reflection
But there's always an asterisk in my planning: "If, Lord, this is Your will and timing." I'm not sure about you, but God has repeatedly demonstrated to me that, if I am receptive to Him, His timing is always preferable to my planning. Does it imply I should stop making plans? Probably not. I simply plan with petition, requesting wisdom and the Holy Spirit to assist me in discerning God's timing and doing His will (James 1:5-6 and Ephesians 5:15-18). Life is too short not to plan with prayer and walk led by the Spirit!
Prayer
Father, let it not be done according to my will but according to Yours, today and forever. I beg in Jesus' holy name. Amen.
While I like to have options and prefer to be accountable for my own decisions, I am genuinely happy that God enables me to surrender my life to His will and place my confidence in Him. The Father is at work in me to do His will (Phil. 2:13) and to work for my best good (Rom. 8:28). I willingly admit that my plans are subject to His will. I am thankful that my ambitions and results are in His hands. I proudly assert that what is ahead for me may be described by one phrase: "If the Lord wills!
Prayer
Thank you, Abba Father, for taking care of my life and my future. Please forgive me when I make plans that are too much about me and not enough about You. Thank you for getting me out of the messes I made because of my own foolish arrogance and failed plans. Dear Father, I gladly give You control over my plans, my life, and my future. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
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