Lord Willing

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Lord Willing

1. Tomorrow Is Unpredictable

Have you ever heard a phrase and wondered where it came from? Expressions like “having your ducks in a row” or “letting the cat out of the bag” have unexpected origins. One such phrase is “Lord willing and if the creek don’t rise.” Many think it refers to a rising stream, but it actually refers to the Creek Indians rising against settlers. Now, it’s shortened to just “Lord willing,” expressing uncertainty about future plans.

James addresses this uncertainty directly. In James 4:13–14, he warns those who confidently say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit.” The problem isn’t with planning itself but with planning apart from God. We often assume we know what tomorrow holds, but James reminds us that we don’t. Our plans are often driven by self-interest and self-will rather than by seeking God’s guidance.

When making plans, we must start with God, not simply invite Him to bless what we've already decided. Instead of saying, “This is my plan—God, please bless it,” we should first ask, “God, what is your will for me?” Tomorrow is unpredictable, and only God knows the future. Aligning our plans with His will is the only way to truly prepare for what’s ahead.

2. Tomorrow Is Not Guaranteed

James continues by asking, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Life is brief and uncertain. We often act as though we have endless time, thinking we’ll get serious about our walk with God later. But tomorrow is not promised.

James wants us to grasp the urgency of aligning our lives with God’s will today, not someday. We’ve all known people whose lives ended far sooner than expected. Life is like a fog—thick one moment and gone the next. We shouldn’t waste time waiting to obey God or to pursue His purposes. We are called to act now, to live fully for Christ, and not delay in surrendering our plans and desires to Him.

3. Tomorrow Is in God’s Hands

James instructs us to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” It’s a reminder that our lives and our plans are in God’s hands. Even if we know God is in control, that doesn’t mean we are submitting to Him. True submission means involving Him first in all our decisions.

God’s word reveals His will for us. We don’t need to guess about many areas of life—His word makes it clear. For areas that aren’t as clear, we are to pray and ask for wisdom, just as James taught earlier in chapter 1: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” God promises to give wisdom generously.

However, knowing we should pray and actually praying are not the same. Not praying when we know we should is an act of arrogance, declaring that we don’t really need God’s help. When we do pray, we humble ourselves, recognizing our dependence on Him.

We often claim confusion when in reality, we simply don’t want to do what God has already shown us. Sometimes, God has already made His will clear, and our hesitation isn’t about clarity—it’s about unwillingness. James calls this boasting and arrogance.

4. Do What You Know Is Right

James concludes with a strong challenge: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” It’s not enough to avoid doing wrong; we must actively do what is right. Partial obedience is disobedience. We must be all in.

God’s call is to align every area of our life with His will, not just the parts we find convenient. We cannot time the future or control it ourselves. Tomorrow is unpredictable, not guaranteed, but fully in God’s hands.

Seek Him first. Lean into His word and prayer. Go where He calls you to go. That is the path of true obedience and trust.

Heavenly Father, help us to live fully surrendered to your will. Lead us to seek your guidance first, to trust you completely with our plans, and to act in obedience today. Amen.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: Lord Willing
Date: Nov 17, 2024

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• James 4:13–17

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