When we recognize that we are just a mist that is here for a little while and then vanishes we can comprehend how fragile our existence is. Oftentimes our pride will precede us and we will make grand plans for our future that we begin to weather difficult times for to make those plans happen. These kinds of plans are made without consideration of God’s presence as we move into them. We think we can do it on our own or worse we think we must do them on our own. Then we end up missing out on the life that is happening right in front of us. We forget that our lives are a culmination of what the Lord’s will is, because we are blinded by our own abilities when life is easy and then distraught when difficulty strikes. This is why we should get into a habit of saying, “if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” In this way our lives will be with God in all things and we will find ease no matter the season.
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.”
James 4:13-15 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Do you ever get the plan from God, make plans, and then proceed in those plans without continually consulting Him? Write down ways you can better take life one day at a time, ensuring that you do not leave Him out of every step.
A Story of Welcoming Challenge:
We moved to Germany almost 2 years ago. It was right in the middle of COVID. We had already experienced a 2 ½ month lock down in the US and we’re hopeful that was the end of it. Alas, that was not the case. After living in Germany for just 4 months we experienced a 7 month lock down. I am not sure I have ever felt so isolated.
Through that 7 months I felt God refining me. It was not always easy, but it was necessary. He taught me how to lean on Him more than I had ever done in my life. I am grateful that in that time I had my immediate family with me. He taught me to find joy in the simplest of things.
Most of all I learned how to welcome challenges. I have, like most of us, always felt ease when life was moving smoothly. However, when a curve ball was thrown I would feel completely jilted. That 7 month experience taught me how to welcome the challenge because it grew and stretched my capacity for more.
- Anonymous
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