What we plan today can be taken from us tomorrow
'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.'
James 4v13-16 (NIV)
One month ago flights were booked, weddings were organised, matches were scheduled, but today we are confined to home! Last week cheques were cashed, salaries were paid, credit cards swiped, but today we are wondering will I have a job! Our diary's are full of cancellations and our online shopping has been returned. It wasn't long ago when we all said: 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Of course it's not wrong to plan, it's wise and prudent, the Bible commends it: ‘The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surly as haste leads to poverty.’ Proverbs 21v4. But what is wrong, is assuming we control our future and our lives. To live as masters of our destiny is 'arrogant' and 'evil' . Rather than saying: 'my will be done' we ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” COVID-19 has put a stop to all our plans which teaches us two things:
First, I do not control my future: 'Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.' Today I maybe in good health, tomorrow I may be ill. Today I might have money to spend, tomorrow I could be in debt. Today I may book a holiday, tomorrow I might have to downsize my house. We are fools if we think we know what is going to happen or that our plans will never be interrupted.
Second, I do not live forever: 'What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.' Of course we might live until we are 70, 80 even 90, but sooner or later we will all die. Our plans to make money, our hopes to enjoy our wealth disappear like the morning mist. Instead of arrogant statements of, What I will do; Where I will live; When I will move; How much I will make; I humbly acknowledge that my life is in the sovereign hands of my creator God.
The God who gives life, who orders my life, who rules my life and will take my life.
I am not in control of my destiny. I do not live on this earth forever.
Prayer
Thank you Father God for all you provide for me today; my home, my work, my family. Forgive me when I arrogantly plan my life and future as if I am in control. Enable me to enjoy your gifts today and rest in the knowledge that you are sovereign over my life and the future.