MAY 31

James 4:13-15
Memorise Proverbs 3:5-6
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”

The above question arises because some of us find it difficult to understand how to commit ourselves entirely to God and to have Him do His will in our lives. Does this mean that we should not plan as planning implies doing our own will and acting on our own desires instead? God does not prohibit us from planning and decision making using our God-given intelligence, sense of reasoning and logic. Indeed, He gave man a free will. We are not expected to be like robots and wait for His instructions for every little thing. We have the autonomy to plan ahead for the future. As Christians it is God-honouring to plan in advance, plan well, and to do so with due diligence. However, in all our planning, we must consider God and include Him in the equation willingly, not grudgingly.

James tells us that we can plan all we want, but only God can see the future and therefore direct our paths as He deems fit. Our life is fleeting and transient as a vapour; we do not even know if we will live till the end of today unless the Lord wills it so (James 5:13-15). This is the key to all our deliberations-if the Lord wills.

Dear Teen, have you included God in your equation as you plan for the future? In practical terms, it means making sure that whatever we decide to do does not result in us getting more distant from God, will not hinder our service for Him, is not inherently sinful and does not have a strong association with carnality. Also, we have to hold on to our plans loosely. If the Lord intervenes and change of plans halfway through, how willing would you be to accommodate His new directions for you? Is it right to aspire to be an architect? Probably yes, but what if the firm is heavily involved in projects for temples and mosques? Should you stay? Definitely not! Is it right to work towards saving up for an iPad? Nothing wrong with that unless your job requires you to work on Sundays, or unless God sends a needy person your way and you decide not to help him and buy the iPad instead. If it is not vital, you can always postpone your purchase for the sake of another’s welfare.

Thought: We plan to fail if we fail to plan, but God’s blessing is always needed in all our planning.
Prayer: Lord, give us faith to trust You and acknowledge You in all we do that You may direct our paths.