Faithful Living in Uncertain Times

 

Summary

In the face of an unpredictable future, it's crucial to anchor our lives in faith and divine guidance. As we reflect on the events of 2020, it's evident that none of us can predict what tomorrow holds. This uncertainty can lead to anxiety and stress, but the Bible offers wisdom on how to navigate these times with confidence. James 4:13-17 provides a roadmap for facing the future with faith by avoiding three common mistakes: planning without consulting God, presuming upon tomorrow, and procrastinating on what we know is right.

Firstly, we often make plans without seeking God's guidance. This self-reliance can lead us astray, as we miss out on the blessings that come from involving God in our planning. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our plans, promising that He will direct our paths. Therefore, as we plan, we should pray, asking God for wisdom and direction.

Secondly, we must not presume that we have tomorrow. Life is unpredictable and brief, like a morning fog that quickly vanishes. James advises us to live with the mindset of "If it is the Lord's will," acknowledging that our time on earth is temporary. This perspective encourages us to live each day intentionally, making the most of the time we have.

Lastly, procrastination can be a significant barrier to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. James warns that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is a sin. We must act on what we know is right, whether it's taking a step in our spiritual growth, reconciling with someone, or serving in ministry. Delayed obedience is disobedience, and we are called to act now, not waiting for the perfect moment.

In these uncertain times, let's commit to living one day at a time, making each day count by aligning our plans with God's will, acknowledging the brevity of life, and taking immediate action on what we know is right.

Key Takeaways:

- Involve God in Your Planning: To receive God's blessing, include Him in your plans. Pray as you plan, asking for wisdom and guidance. Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your plans, and He will direct your paths. [09:46]

- Live with Humility and Awareness: Recognize that life is unpredictable and brief. Adopt the mindset of "If it is the Lord's will," and live each day with intention, making the most of the time you have. [15:48]

- Avoid Procrastination: Delaying what you know is right can lead to missed opportunities and wasted potential. Act on what God has called you to do, whether it's personal growth, reconciliation, or service. [25:30]

- Trust in God's Provision: God provides grace for each day, not for the entire future. Live one day at a time, trusting that God will give you the strength and wisdom needed for each moment. [22:56]

- Take Immediate Action: Whatever you intend to do for God, your family, or yourself, do it now. Don't wait for the perfect moment or for the pandemic to end. Act today, as tomorrow is not guaranteed. [29:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Reflecting on 2020
- [00:38] - The Unpredictability of Life
- [01:54] - Only God Knows the Future
- [04:09] - Facing the Future with Faith
- [06:07] - Mistake 1: Planning Without God
- [09:46] - Involving God in Our Plans
- [14:56] - Mistake 2: Presuming on Tomorrow
- [18:36] - The Brevity of Life
- [21:15] - Living One Day at a Time
- [24:33] - Mistake 3: Procrastination
- [26:52] - Taking the Next Step
- [29:54] - Immediate Action Required
- [30:41] - Invitation to Know Christ
- [32:31] - Next Steps and Resources

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- James 4:13-17: "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."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three common mistakes about the future that James warns against in James 4:13-17? [04:09]
2. How does James describe the nature of life in James 4:14, and what imagery does he use? [05:04]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "If it is the Lord's will"? [15:48]
4. What does James say about knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it? [05:27]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might planning without consulting God be considered a mistake, and how does this relate to the concept of self-reliance? [08:54]
2. How does the brevity and unpredictability of life, as described by James, influence the way believers should approach their daily lives? [18:54]
3. In what ways can procrastination hinder fulfilling God's purpose, and why is delayed obedience considered disobedience? [26:00]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should balance planning for the future with living in the present? [21:15]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision or plan you made. Did you involve God in the process? How might you change your approach to planning in the future? [09:46]
2. Consider the phrase "If it is the Lord's will." How can adopting this mindset change your perspective on daily activities and long-term goals? [15:48]
3. Identify an area in your life where you have been procrastinating. What steps can you take this week to act on what you know is right? [25:30]
4. How can you live more intentionally, acknowledging the brevity of life? What is one specific action you can take to make the most of your time? [18:54]
5. Think about a situation where you have been relying on your own understanding rather than trusting in God's provision. How can you shift your trust to God in this area? [10:18]
6. What is one thing you feel God is calling you to do for your spiritual growth, family, or community? How can you take immediate action on this calling? [29:54]
7. How can you incorporate prayer into your planning process this week? What specific plans or decisions will you bring before God in prayer? [13:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Involving God in Our Plans
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to rely on our own understanding and make plans without seeking divine guidance. This self-reliance can lead us astray, causing us to miss out on the blessings that come from involving God in our planning. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our plans, promising that He will direct our paths. By praying and asking God for wisdom and direction, we open ourselves to His guidance and align our plans with His will. This practice not only brings peace but also ensures that our steps are ordered by the One who knows the future. [09:46]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific plan or decision you are currently facing? How can you intentionally seek God's guidance and wisdom in this situation today?


Day 2: Living with Humility and Awareness
Life is unpredictable and brief, much like a morning fog that quickly vanishes. This reality calls us to live with humility and awareness, recognizing that our time on earth is temporary. James encourages us to adopt the mindset of "If it is the Lord's will," which helps us live each day with intention and purpose. By acknowledging the brevity of life, we are motivated to make the most of the time we have, focusing on what truly matters and aligning our actions with God's will. This perspective not only brings clarity but also fosters a deeper appreciation for each moment. [15:48]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live more intentionally today, acknowledging the brevity of life? What is one action you can take to align your daily routine with God's purpose for you?


Day 3: Avoiding Procrastination
Procrastination can be a significant barrier to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. James warns that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is a sin. Delayed obedience is disobedience, and we are called to act now, not waiting for the perfect moment. Whether it's taking a step in our spiritual growth, reconciling with someone, or serving in ministry, we must act on what we know is right. By doing so, we avoid missed opportunities and wasted potential, allowing God to work through us in powerful ways. [25:30]

"Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have been procrastinating? How can you take a concrete step today to act on what you know is right?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Provision
God provides grace for each day, not for the entire future. This truth invites us to live one day at a time, trusting that God will give us the strength and wisdom needed for each moment. By focusing on the present and relying on God's provision, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and peace. This mindset not only reduces anxiety but also deepens our trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [22:56]

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice trusting in God's provision today? How can you shift your focus from future worries to present opportunities to rely on Him?


Day 5: Taking Immediate Action
Whatever you intend to do for God, your family, or yourself, do it now. Don't wait for the perfect moment or for circumstances to change. Act today, as tomorrow is not guaranteed. This call to immediate action challenges us to prioritize what truly matters and to seize the opportunities before us. By doing so, we honor God with our obedience and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around us. [29:54]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to honor God and serve others? How can you overcome any barriers to taking this step immediately?

Quotes

"None of us know the future. We don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow, much less next year or next month, or even this coming week. You know, just months ago, no one could have imagined how different our lives and our world would be with this pandemic. Now to be a human being is to live your entire life not knowing the future. The future is unknown. The future is uncertain and the future is unpredictable." [00:01:09]

"Now, James 4 the next couple of verses say this, verses 14 to 16. 'You don't even know what will happen tomorrow.' He says, you know, you make an all plans about we're gonna go to this city and do this and build this and start this business. He says, you don't even know what's gonna happen tomorrow. And your life is as brief as the midst of a morning fog." [00:15:18]

"Now, did you notice that in this big master plan, this guy has for his future is not a single mention of God in his planning? It's all about self-reliance. And four times he says, we will do this. We will do this. We will do that. We will do this. We will, we will, we will, we will. There's nothing about God's will. It's just about his will." [00:08:30]

"To have God's blessing, involve Him in my planning. If I want God's blessing, to have God's blessing, involve Him in my planning. That's the first principle of dealing with the future that you don't know. To have God's blessing involve him in my planning. Nothing wrong with planning. The Bible has a lot to say about that." [00:09:33]

"Pray as I plan my life or anything else. Pray as I plan my business, pray as I plan my project. Proverbs is full of planning principles, and God gives us a great promise in Proverbs 3. Proverbs 3:5-6 says this: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And don't depend on your own understanding. In all your plans, acknowledge Him. And He will direct your paths.'" [00:10:05]

"Live one day at a time and make it count. That's the next thing that James says about the future. Fortunately, the good news about the future is it doesn't hit you all at once. We get it in bite size, 24-hour segments. You know, if you got your entire life thrown at you all at once without any doubt, it'd be overwhelming." [00:21:11]

"God gives you just enough grace every day for each day. He doesn't stockpile all that power in your life and say, 'Oh, I'm gonna give it to you for the next week or the next month.' He says, give us this day, our daily bread, not our weekly bread, not our monthly bread. God says, I want you to take life one day at a time." [00:22:56]

"Delayed obedience is disobedience. So whatever you intend to do for God, do it now, whatever you need to do for your family, do it now. Don't wait till this pandemic's over. Whatever you need to do for your wife or your husband do it now. Whatever. You're not guaranteed tomorrow or next week or next month." [00:30:03]

"Now, the fact is procrastination, where you just keep delaying, you know, the right thing to do you just don't do it destroys your potential. It wastes your life. It misuses your time. It misses golden opportunities that God has given you. And that's why in the last verse of this passage, James 4:17, he says this." [00:25:27]

"Whatever it is that you need to do, do it now. Don't wait this pandemic to be over. Don't wait, don't waste another a week or month or months. 1 John 2:3 enforces this. 'We can be sure we know Christ. If we obey his commands and the one who says I know him, but doesn't do what he commands is a liar.'" [00:29:35]

"Let me give you another question. What excuse have you been using to not do what you know you need to do? Well, one of these days, one of these days, you keep saying one of these days, one of these days is none of these days, or 'I'm aiming'. I'm aiming to do it, Rick, I'm aiming. When are you gonna stop aiming and pull the trigger?" [00:29:39]

"Now, listen, if you're an average human being, you're gonna probably live on average. The average human being lives, 27,375 days, 27,375 days. Somebody figured that out, but you know what? You have no guarantee of tomorrow. And each of us is only one heartbeat away from eternity. So whatever you're gonna do with your life, you better get on it." [00:19:52]

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Transcript
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