Don't Be Too Sure

  We all make plans and look forward to things in the future. Anticipation is half the joy of accomplishments. We try to have good intentions and expect to carry out what we want to do. But even as we consider the days ahead we do so with the realization that there are many factors that can prevent, alter or revise our plans. We may not even be around to do them.

  Is that not what James had in mind when he wrote, "For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:15)? We go about life with the fond expectancy that we be able to do what we want to do. But we also go about life realizing how brief and uncertain it is. We are not think that that whatever happens is because God wills it to be so. But we only want to do those things harmonious with His will.

  So we join with the inspired writer by saying we shall carry out our plans, "Lord willing."