If the Lord Wills

by Patrice Tsague


"Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord Wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" — James 4:15
What if you were about to invest in a business and you asked for the presentation of a business plan, and that presentation began with "if the Lord's Will, we will do such and such…"?

Unfortunately, many of us have reservations and doubts when the Will of God is mentioned in business. We will occasionally interpret the presenter as uncertain about the future and consequently see their use of God as a cop-out.  Yet, this is the very approach that James suggests we use in planning our business. 

In James 4:13-16, James contrasts between the world's approach to planning and the kingdom approach.  James suggests that the world's approach has the following characteristics:

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.'" James 4:13

Certainty of the future
Prideful
Self-centered

While the kingdom approach should have the following characteristics:
"Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord Wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" James 4:15

Recognize our limitations
Humility
Centered on God's will

What does "if the Lord Wills" mean?  It means "should God permit or allow."  It is recognizing that no matter what my plans are, they are subject to God's ultimate purpose.  It suggests that we are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and, as stated in the Lord's prayer, we are inviting God's Will into the situation (Matthew 6:10).

What are your plans for this year?  Have you considered God's Will for your life and your business?  God's Will protects you, provides for you and keeps you safe.  No matter your circumstances or the economy, the safest place to be is in the Will of God.  In the Will of God, there is provision, protection and safety.  In the Will of God, we find peace in the midst of turmoil. In the Will of God, we find safety in midst of uncertainty. In the Will of God, we find favor.  But, how do you find the Will of God?  Use the following guidelines in finding the Will of God:
Prayer and fasting
Study His Word and look for guidelines and patterns
Reflect on your past experience with God as a guide to where He is taking you
Seek the council of others you trust and those who are God-fearing
Make sure you have peace about the direction

God's Will is easy to find when we are willing to lay down our personal agendas. But unfortunately, it is hard to execute, because it requires personal sacrifice.  God's Will usually moves us toward the direction of the least comfortable situation and yet the most spiritual and natural impact in the lives of others.  God's Will is trading our agenda for His agenda.  If the Lord Wills, what will you do for the rest of the year?

My prayer for you this week is that you will seek God's Will for your life and business and have the courage to pursue it.