Introduction. Sometimes while making plans for the future, we initially think only of our own needs. Then we remember James’ warning that when considering future plans, we ought to say “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (Jas. 4:15). We say these words to remind ourselves that we are never in control. God is the only one who can know for certain what will happen tomorrow. We are only “a vapor” that can “vanish away” at any moment and “after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27). With faith and trust in “if the Lord wills”, we acknowledge Him as sovereign ruler over all. In Him “we live and move and have our being” because “He gives to all life, breath and all things.” (Acts 17:25-28). Only by His will can we plan and accomplish anything.
Yet there is far more to “if God wills.” After we say these words, what comes next? If all works out as planned, do we conclude it was the Lord’s will and if things fall apart, was it not God’s will? While some live their lives seeking God’s will by the way their life unfolds, the Scriptures nowhere teach this. God never promised His people that He would intervene in their lives to the degree where every outcome would be brought about by Him. Often our own decisions whether wise or foolish have an impact on the outcome. Not only do “time and chance happen to all” but “there is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous.” (Ecc. 9:11; 8:14). So trying to understand God’s will from the outcome of our plans is not only unwise, but is dangerous.
Yet there is far more to “if God wills.” After we say these words, what comes next? If all works out as planned, do we conclude it was the Lord’s will and if things fall apart, was it not God’s will? While some live their lives seeking God’s will by the way their life unfolds, the Scriptures nowhere teach this. God never promised His people that He would intervene in their lives to the degree where every outcome would be brought about by Him. Often our own decisions whether wise or foolish have an impact on the outcome. Not only do “time and chance happen to all” but “there is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous.” (Ecc. 9:11; 8:14). So trying to understand God’s will from the outcome of our plans is not only unwise, but is dangerous.