If the Lord Wills

“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 it’s 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. When the will of God is stated, we sometimes subconsciously interpret the presenter as uncertain about the future and consequently see their use of God as a cop-out. Yet, this is the exact 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 gives us 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 taking the kingdom approach allows us to 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 the midst of uncertainty. In the will of God, we find favor.

However, how do you find the will of God? Use the following guidelines to find God”s will for you:

• Prayer and fasting
• Study His Word and look for guidelines and patterns
• Reflect on your past experiences with God as a guide to where He is taking you
• Seek the counsel of others you trust 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. Nevertheless, it is hard to execute, because it requires personal sacrifice. God’s will usually moves us toward the direction that is least comfortable and yet it has 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 this year?

My prayer for you this week is that you will seek God’s will for your life and business while having the courage to pursue it.