Many people advise us to make plans. That's good advice if we want to achieve anything specific in life. Taking things as they come, rolling with the punches, and spontaneously reacting to things can all make for a less stressful life for some of us. But also one in which much less is likely to be achieved.

So the bottom line - it’s good to plan isn’t it? And the answer is, yes it is.

But there is an important caveat to be aware of and acknowledge all the time. The Bible says this about plans:

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

And at more length: “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15 NLT)

‘If the Lord wants us to.’ Such sensible words.

Many people say instead ‘God willing.’ That’s the same thing. It’s a sensible and respectful approach to living our lives to acknowledge that whatever we decide, God will ultimately determine the outcome. What a wonderful thing it is then that God loves us! What He wants from us and what He can do for us is written in His Bible. He has given it to us to read.

Now it is up to us.

Are we ready to read it?