Planning For The FutureSample

Spiritual advice from James: leave space for God to change your plans

Making plans for your future is a good and diligent thing to do, but the book of James warns you not to hold too tightly to those plans. Even the best laid plans can be subject to change.

James criticizes people who say, “we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money” (James 4:13). His implication is: How can you know the future? You’re not God! 

Having a good plan, even the best plan, does not mean it’s going to happen that way. Instead, says James, you should leave space for God’s changes, saying, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).

The problem isn’t in the planning. The problem is planning as if the future lies in your hands. You can leverage your time, resources, and the abilities God gives you, and you’re wise to do so. But you’re never fully in control of the outcome. Most businesses are well aware how unpredictable the future is. That’s why the annual report of any publicly traded company will feature a detailed section with risks the company faces based on factors beyond their control.

James’ words are a reminder that planning with God means continually reassessing, adapting, and adjusting your plans. In one sense, this is simply good business practice. Yet in a deeper sense, it is a spiritual matter. You need to be ready to change course if God leads you to different guidance in your work. God’s guidance unfolds over time, so your plans must be adaptable. Ask in your time of prayer: “Is there anything I need to rethink about my plans today?”

Prayer: God, is there anything I need to change about my plans today? Help me hold lightly to my own ideas. Continually give me your ideas. Thank you, God. Amen.

Further Exploration: For more on the Bible’s take on business forecasting, see the Theology of Work Commentary on James 4:13-17.