"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." - James 4:13-14
Events of the past year have made us painfully aware of the brevity of life and the uncertainty of all the plans we make on this earth.
Loved ones whom we had assumed would always be there have been snatched away from us. Friends and family members are in a battle for their lives and we’re not sure yet which way it will go for them. Others have survived against all odds and are doing well.
Meanwhile things that we had assumed about the economy, job security, and property values have been turned on their heads.
The retirement accounts we thought were so secure, aren’t. The vacation plans we looked forward to might not happen. Many of us are wondering whether we’ll have a job a few months from now.
No matter what happens, we can rest with the assurance that God knew about it ahead of time. There are no surprises for Him; He is still the Lord of all, and we can trust Him.
The next verse in this chapter says, “Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'" (James 4:15)
Here is where we find out whether or not we are really trusting in the Lord. Do we trust Him when He is the only one we can trust? Have I really surrendered my life to His lordship? Or do I only trust Him when things go the way I thought they would?
Lord Jesus, my life is in your hand. I know that no matter what happens here, I can trust myself, my loved ones and my life to Your care. Lord, I surrender my life and all my plans to Your guidance and approval. Guide me in these times to make decisions that please You. Fulfill Your plans for me. You are my Lord. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles