Thoughts on James 4:13-17

¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” ¹⁴ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” ¹⁶ But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

In my twenties, I planned and sought out certain career ambitions.  I worked several jobs often bouncing around different jobs. Sometimes I would find a job and would think I really like this job.  I believe I have found my calling. Before I could even move up the first level my desires would get the best of me.  During these years I was not going to church.  I was the master of my own world and the demise of my God given purpose.  When I came back to the fold something happened.  God got a hold of my life and no-longer did I spend my days, daydreaming about a new business venture or some flashing new get rich quick scheme. 

The phase that should reach down and grab your spirit is, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."  In the south, where I am from this would read, "if the Lord wills and creeks don;t rise we will get with living out the blessings we do not deserve.  This should be a reminder to us that it is not our will that guides our every move, but the will of God guiding our life to be what He desires it to be. The ten years that I wondered around aimlessly.  My life felt like a vapor waiting on a strong gush of wind to disperse me over failed dreams and wasted ambitions.  Now, my life is filled with all the things God gives to humble me.  Without God, I know that I would not be where I am today.  I sense that this is the will of God for my life and all that I can say is thank you Lord for your will being done in my life because you make all things beautiful. 

If you have been struggling in life wondering why your plans never seem to workout.  And you have been bouncing around trying to find your purpose in life.  I encourage you to get up on Sunday morning and find a good church.  This too is hard to find.  But the key to knowing that this is where God wants you, is the peace that will flood your soul, the joy that will overwhelm your spirit, and a real life experience with God that keeps you wanting more of Him.

I pray that your life is filled with the will of the Lord and you too experience the happiness of knowing your calling in life.  Ask the Lord to guide your spirit if you truly want to taste the happiness He has for your life. Amen...