If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. —James 4:17
I love how the Bible meets us wherever we are. For several days I marinated on James 4:13-16, which reminds us that no matter how we toil and plan, as humans, we cannot know what the future holds.
“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.” James 4:13-16 NIV
These verses serve as a reminder that I am to hold my plans loosely. They caution me to look to the Lord for guidance and trust that when life doesn’t fall into the pattern I have envisioned, He will create something beautiful, nonetheless.
However, as I read the very next verse, James warns that it is sinful to know the good I should be doing yet refuse to do it. I understand this to mean that although God is ultimately in control, I still must do my part. I can’t just shrug off responsibility, kick back, and wait for God to deliver. I must listen for his guidance and seize the opportunities He sends my way.
The Israelites, as they wandered in the wilderness, were not able to plan even their next meals. Israelite mamas made no weekly meal plans, no grocery lists, no carefully cultivated menus to entice their husbands or tempt the taste buds of their picky children. God provided food for them in the wilderness. Yet, while God performed the miracle of daily manna, it was up to the Israelites themselves to get out each morning and gather that day’s ration. (Exodus 16)
I love how God recognizes that sometimes the words we need to hear are words that remind us to trust in Him. He will provide. He is in control. We can rest from our planning and plotting and scheming and rely on His provision. Yet, there are times we need the reminder not to let idleness or laziness set in. Yes, God provides. But He also recognizes the satisfaction and pleasure we gain from working toward good and godly goals. Our identity is in Christ, and He is at work in and through us. What a blessing that God gives us a role to play in furthering His kingdom.
When I am not sure what lies ahead, I can look for those things that I know God has set before me to do. I can pray for my loved ones, my country, my world. I can donate time or money to those in need. I can try to put words on paper when I feel I have no words to give, in the hope that just one person will feel encouraged. I can read and listen and learn from those who have different life experiences than my own. I can take care of my family. I can love well.
Dear Lord, please help me discern when to make my plans and when to rest in Your plan. I pray that I will not neglect the good things that You have set before me to do. Open my eyes to see the tasks that You have given me, and give me the courage and strength to perform them well. Amen.