But the promise of travel came with a stipulation—everything my parents suggested we would do began with those two words: “Lord willing.” They would announce an exciting adventure, but God had the final say about whether we did it or not. As a teenager, I found it oppressive.
I blame James for this saying, which has become a common colloquialism: Instead, you should say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” James 4:15 (NIV).
While I don’t often use these words (“Lord willing”), I understand them better now as an adult. If I believe that God has a plan for my life, I should also desire to follow it without my clueless interruptions. If the Lord wills, then it’s part of His plan. Every decision I make should be proceeded by a prayer asking for clarity of God’s will.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 9 (NLT).
Wise King Solomon knew that God’s plan was better than ours. In Proverbs 16:9 (NIV), he wrote, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Again, in Proverbs 19:21 (NIV), he acknowledges that God’s plan will trump ours every time: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Does God care about our summer travel plans? Do we take the expression too far? No, the all-knowing God sees the future. Maybe staying home from a road trip might prevent tragedy. Going might allow us to meet someone and share our faith. We don’t know which decision is best, but God does.
If we surrender such small plans to God’s will, we must also consider seeking Him for the more significant life decisions. This might include changing jobs, choosing a mate, making large purchases, or moving to another town or province (or country). If these great men of the Bible are correct, we should ask God for His will in all these situations.
Then when we pray and ask God what He wants us to do, how do we know if we will “hear” His answer? Paul gave the key to this question in Romans 12:2 (NIV):
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul is saying if we want to figure out God’s will, we need to be intimate with Him. We demonstrate our love and commitment by leaving our sinful life and spending time praying and reading His Word—getting to know Him better. Don’t we all desire to make good, pleasing, and perfect decisions? Lord willing, this is exactly what we’ll do!
Pray with me:
Father, thank You for loving me and caring about my daily life. Lead me on the path that brings me closest to You and aligns with Your master plan. Forgive me for the times I’ve gone on detours. When I do this, nudge me back on track! Guide me in everything I do, according to Your will. Amen.
Valda Goudie is a teacher and a writer. Visit her site at https://valsstage.com and download a free e-book called “Tickle Me with a Crowbar!” containing 30 days of jokes and short devotions!
