I often wondered as I was growing up why the “older folks” would say “if God spares life” or “Lord willing” that they would do such and such a thing. Then when I became a Missionary to the Dominican Republic, everyone, young and old, was saying the same thing “si Dios quierre” (“Lord willing”). At first, I thought it was just a lame excuse to get out of making a commitment to something. But then I got the revelation behind this statement and I joined in saying “if God spares life” or “Lord willing” I would do such and such.
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:15 (NIV)
The concept behind this powerful saying is that it is wonderful to make goals and plans but always include God, who is ultimately in control of our lives.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
It is very important that we set goals and make plans but they must be done bearing in mind that with God’s intervention and guidance these plans may change drastically.
My Career Goal was to become a Physical Education Teacher but I wanted to attend college in the USA. God has gifted me with basketball skills and I was convinced that playing on an NCAA Women’s Basketball Team and Touring the USA would be ideal for me. But just because this goal was not coming to fruition I did not “bury my head in the sand” but enrolled in the College of the Bahamas and successfully became a PE Teacher.
Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing].
1 Corinthians 9:26 (AMP)
God honored my Career choice and as I delighted in it he led me to become a Career Missionary to the Dominican Republic. The amazing thing is as a Career Missionary I Toured the USA, nine weeks at a time, promoting Missions in: Florida, New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. I never traveled on an NCAA Women’s Basketball Team but as a Career Missionary, I lived in Lebron James’ home town, visited the Football Hall of Fame, attended a High School Football Game, played Basketball at a few Churches in the USA, visited the Holy Land Experience, Sea World, Niagara Fall, and I walked on Canadian Soil.
Wow, reflecting on how the Lord established my steps as I included Him gives me “goosebumps”.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
I admonish you to give your Career Goals or any goals you have to the Lord and watch Him establish your steps.
To God be the Glory great things He has done and will continue to do. This article is great very inspiring. Many would think they would have failed in their quest to accomplish their But God in His mercy who’s thoughts are not our thoughts; who’s ways are not our ways; He Has granted you favor to see beyond your thoughts and given you more than you asked. May He continue to guide you in His will and purpose. Blessings my friend.
“LORD’S willing!” A good statement to include in sharing plans because we don’t know if we will accomplish what we plan. But we do want God in our plans and to orchestrate them. Look at what COVID-19 did; changed the entire world plans. This is indeed a demonstrated example that our plans independent of God gets shattered.
Amen! We should commit everything to God!