Trusting God's Plan in Life's Uncertainty
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound wisdom found in James 4:13-17, focusing on the theme of "God's Plan." As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it's a time when many of us are reflecting on the past and planning for the future. This passage from James serves as a timely reminder of the importance of including God in our plans. Life is unpredictable, and while we may have detailed plans and aspirations, we must remember that our lives are but a mist, here today and gone tomorrow. This realization should not lead us to despair but rather to a deeper reliance on God, who is constant and unchanging.
James challenges us to adopt a "Lord willing" mindset, acknowledging that our lives are not our own but belong to God. This perspective frees us from the anxiety of having to control every outcome and allows us to trust in God's sovereignty. It encourages us to make plans, but with the humility to recognize that God's will ultimately prevails. This mindset is not about passivity but about active trust and partnership with God in our life's journey.
Furthermore, we are reminded that our lives are meant to be a blessing to others. The goal is to glorify God and love others, fulfilling the greatest commandments. Even when life doesn't go as planned, we are called to be a blessing, reflecting the goodness and grace that God has shown us. This is not out of duty but out of gratitude for the countless ways God has blessed us.
As we move into the new year, let us invite God into our planning process. Whether we are planners or prefer to wing it, the key is to seek God's wisdom and direction. Life is uncertain, but we can anchor our hope in the One who holds the future. Let us make the most of the time we have, living with intentionality and purpose, and trusting that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
1. Include God in Your Plans: As we make plans for the future, it's crucial to invite God into the process. This involves seeking His wisdom and direction, ensuring that our plans align with His will. By doing so, we acknowledge that our lives are not our own and that God's purposes are greater than our own desires. [45:24]
2. Life's Uncertainty: Life is inherently unpredictable, and our plans may not always unfold as expected. This uncertainty should lead us to place our trust in God, who is constant and faithful. By anchoring our hope in Him, we can navigate life's uncertainties with peace and confidence. [53:30]
3. Embrace a "Lord Willing" Mindset: Adopting a "Lord willing" mindset means recognizing that our lives belong to God. This perspective frees us from the pressure of having to control every outcome and allows us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing. [01:04:06]
4. Life is Short: Our time on earth is limited, and we must make the most of it. This realization should motivate us to live with intentionality and purpose, making each moment count for God's glory and the good of others. [58:16]
5. Be a Blessing: Our lives are meant to be a blessing to others, reflecting the love and grace that God has shown us. Even when life doesn't go as planned, we are called to love God and our neighbors, fulfilling the greatest commandments. [01:12:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:24] - Introduction to James 4:13-17
- [40:41] - Preparing for the Future
- [42:11] - The Arrogance of Boasting
- [43:37] - Prayer and Reflection
- [45:24] - Who Drives Your Plans?
- [46:02] - Seeking God's Wisdom
- [47:55] - The Mess We Made
- [50:13] - The Importance of Planning
- [53:30] - Life's Uncertainty
- [56:20] - Trusting in God
- [58:16] - Life is Short
- [01:04:06] - Embracing a "Lord Willing" Mindset
- [01:12:15] - Being a Blessing
- [01:17:16] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: God's Plan
Bible Reading:
- James 4:13-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What does James 4:13-17 say about the nature of life and our plans? How does it describe the brevity of life? [42:11]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of adopting a "Lord willing" mindset when making plans? [01:04:06]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the unpredictability of life with personal anecdotes? What examples were given? [53:30]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of God in our planning process? How should we involve Him? [45:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of life being a "mist" or "vapor" influence our understanding of time and priorities? [58:16]
2. What does it mean to include God in our plans, and how might this change the way we approach decision-making? [52:42]
3. How can adopting a "Lord willing" mindset alleviate anxiety and stress about the future? [01:04:06]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our lives can be a blessing to others, even when things don't go as planned? [01:12:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent plan or decision you made. Did you include God in the process? How might the outcome have been different if you had? [45:24]
2. Consider a time when your plans were disrupted. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to trust in God's sovereignty? [53:30]
3. What specific steps can you take to adopt a "Lord willing" mindset in your daily life? How can this perspective change your approach to planning and decision-making? [01:04:06]
4. Identify an area of your life where you feel anxious about the future. How can you anchor your hope in God, who is constant and faithful? [56:20]
5. Think of a way you can be a blessing to someone in your community this week. How can you reflect God's love and grace in this action? [01:12:15]
6. As you plan for the new year, what practical steps can you take to ensure your plans align with God's will and purpose for your life? [52:42]
7. How can you make the most of the time you have, living with intentionality and purpose? What changes might you need to make to prioritize what truly matters? [58:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Invite God into Your Planning Process
In the journey of life, planning is essential, but it is equally important to invite God into that process. This involves seeking His wisdom and direction, ensuring that our plans align with His will. By doing so, we acknowledge that our lives are not our own and that God's purposes are greater than our own desires. This approach not only brings peace but also aligns our hearts with God's greater plan, allowing us to live with purpose and intention. As we stand on the cusp of a new year, let us remember to include God in our plans, trusting that His guidance will lead us to where we need to be. [45:24]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: What is one specific plan or goal you have for the upcoming year? How can you intentionally invite God into that plan today?
Day 2: Trust in God's Constancy Amidst Life's Uncertainty
Life is inherently unpredictable, and our plans may not always unfold as expected. This uncertainty should lead us to place our trust in God, who is constant and faithful. By anchoring our hope in Him, we can navigate life's uncertainties with peace and confidence. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on God's sovereignty, knowing that He holds the future. As we face the unknown, let us find comfort in the fact that God is unchanging and His promises are sure. [53:30]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current uncertainty in your life. How can you actively place your trust in God's constancy today?
Day 3: Embrace the "Lord Willing" Mindset
Adopting a "Lord willing" mindset means recognizing that our lives belong to God. This perspective frees us from the pressure of having to control every outcome and allows us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing. It is a humble acknowledgment that while we make plans, God's will ultimately prevails. This mindset encourages us to live in partnership with God, actively trusting Him with our future. As we plan and dream, let us do so with the humility and openness to God's leading. [01:04:06]
James 4:15 (ESV): "Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to relinquish control? How can you practice saying "Lord willing" in that area today?
Day 4: Live with Intentionality and Purpose
Our time on earth is limited, and we must make the most of it. This realization should motivate us to live with intentionality and purpose, making each moment count for God's glory and the good of others. By focusing on what truly matters, we can live lives that are impactful and meaningful. As we reflect on the brevity of life, let us be inspired to live each day with purpose, seeking to glorify God in all that we do. [58:16]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to live more intentionally for God's glory?
Day 5: Be a Blessing to Others
Our lives are meant to be a blessing to others, reflecting the love and grace that God has shown us. Even when life doesn't go as planned, we are called to love God and our neighbors, fulfilling the greatest commandments. This call to be a blessing is not out of duty but out of gratitude for the countless ways God has blessed us. As we interact with others, let us seek to be conduits of God's love and grace, making a positive impact in the lives of those around us. [01:12:15]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless today? What specific action can you take to show them God's love and grace?
Quotes
And so James, this portion of James is going to help us to do that. It's going to give us a bit of a framework or some principles to have in our pocket as we make plans for the future. And so with that, I'm excited to share this passage with you. I'm excited to share this passage of scripture with you in the sermon I've entitled God's plan. [00:40:41] (22 seconds)
Yet do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then poof, vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. As it is, you boast in your ignorance, in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. [00:41:54] (31 seconds)
So whoever, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him, it is sin. Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, dear Jesus, Holy Spirit, we ask you to come and just be a part of what we've gathered here today. God, we give you glory and honor because we just celebrated your birth, your incarnation, that you are Emmanuel, God with us, that you do not stand far back away from us, but you chose to enter into history. [00:42:39] (41 seconds)
And what Jesus did in his infinite love is said, hey, I'm going to come and show them how to live. And not only am I going to show them how to live, I'm going to send my Holy Spirit so he can show them how to navigate all the contours of their life. And one day I'm going to make all things new. [00:47:38] (20 seconds)
Because many of us are living with regret and disappointment or anger at God because our plans didn't meet our expectation. When in reality, Jesus never promised to make your plans a reality. He promised that he'll never leave you or forsake you. And that's the promise that we hold on to no matter what may come in the days ahead. Amen. [00:48:53] (27 seconds)
So here are the five things I want you to think about as you make your plans for the new year. Number one, number one, your life should have plans. Somebody say plans. All right. Your life should have a plan. Now, I want you to think about the five things that you make your plans for the new year. I want you to know that God wants you to make plans regarding your life. [00:49:01] (21 seconds)
God is not against you making plans. How do I know that? Psalm 20 verse four says, may he, God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Proverbs 20 verse 18 says, man make plans by seeking advice. So don't make haphazard plans. Actually get counsel for the plans that you are making. [00:51:11] (24 seconds)
Proverbs 16, nine, we should make plans counting on the fact that God will direct us. Proverbs 16, one, we may make our plans, but God has the final word. Okay. So it's clear biblically that we need to be people who are intentional. With our time. Here's the key essential ingredient. Include God in your plan making. [00:51:56] (30 seconds)
And what really happens is many of us have scars and wounds on our hearts. Many of us have disappointments. Our shoulders are heavy and we're very anxious because we subtly, subtly, subtly set our hope and expectation on our desired plan. And we drifted a little bit away from, I don't know what God is going to do, but I really want this thing to work out. [00:54:19] (30 seconds)
And so because we don't know what tomorrow will bring, we anchor our hope in the one who will be in tomorrow. I might not be in tomorrow, but you know who will be? God is. He is today, tomorrow, and forever. But my plan, man, put that thing on a piece of paper, look at it, refer to it. But man, at the end of the day, we don't know what will happen. [00:55:51] (29 seconds)
The goal of this life is to glorify God and love others. James 4, 17, he makes it real clear. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then don't do it. Some of us are going through life knowing what we should do and avoid doing it. And then asking God, well, what should I do? Where should I go? What can I do? [01:11:48] (28 seconds)
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