We are in Atlanta with family this week. Visiting a new city, especially a large city like Atlanta, can be both exciting and frustrating. The thrill of seeing and experiencing new things is partially offset by the uncomfortable feeling of change. Trying to navigate in a big city can be daunting. You may think that you know how to get somewhere, but the new roads and sites can be misleading. So, sometimes your plans must change, no matter how carefully you prepared.
We can experience the same frustration of plans going awry in life. We say to ourselves that if I just do so and so, then I will be able to do this. But unexpected situations and interruptions occur, forcing us to make adjustments and course corrections. We can’t anticipate every possibility, so we must recognize that our plans are tentative, no matter how well intentioned they may be.
James 4:15 says, “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”‘ Making plans is prudent and right. But if our plans are not first submitted to God, they are both foolish and arrogant. He has authority and power to change any of our plans.
Reluctant Retiree 