Devotionals by Raul Ries

SATURDAY August 1, 2026

If the Lord Wills

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
James 4:13-16

Another good point James made to Christians was not to take the days of our lives for granted. Honestly, we are so busy making our own plans, but God may require our lives tomorrow! We plan vacations, strategize to buy a house, design our careers, and chart a course for when we retire. But in reality, we plan our lives without knowing if we are going to live another day. That is why it is more important to prioritize the plan to meet our Maker!

It is good to make plans for the future, but as we do, we are to pray that those plans are in accordance with the will of God. Remember to include James 4:13-15 (NIV) into your thinking:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

If you seek God’s will, then as you pray, the Lord will guide your life. Make it a habit when you pray to ask God for His will. For example: “Lord, if it is Your will, we shall go to Washington.” “If it is Your will, we will purchase our first home.” “Is it Your will, God, that I marry this person.”

Despite the frailty and uncertainty of life, people tend to walk upon the earth as if their lives are in their own hands. Nobody wakes up and thinks that they could die today, but it happens all the time. When you plan for each day, seek the Lord’s will and stay close to the heart of God.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
~Matthew 6:33~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!