If the Lord Wills Jeremy Bell James 4:13-17 Main Point: Live each day in humble dependence upon the Lord, eager to do His will. Three reasons we should live each day in humble dependence: I. You Don’t Know Tomorrow – (verses 13-14a) II. Life is Brief (verse 14b) III. God Is In Charge (verses 15-17) Application: 1. Actively, daily submit your heart and your plans to the Lord and His will. 2. Take great hope in God’s good character. Questions for Discussion/Application *Re-read the text, James 4:13-17. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage? *Is there a way to make plans for our lives in a self-sufficient, godless, proud way that neglects to take into account God’s sovereign right to overrule our plans? Explain. *What would you say to the person who said “God is sovereign, so I might as well not wisely plan?” How would you counsel them? *How do we hold in tension the biblical necessity of wise planning and yet make our plans in a way that trusts God if he decides to overrule our plans? *Counselor Mike Emlet writes, “God calls us to live not by our own power, nor by foolish presumption regarding His providence, but by a wise and balanced prudence. Make plans, but hold them loosely.” Summarize what Emlet is saying in your own words and how it applies to our own lives. *Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help each us to grow in the area of trusting God with the plans we make for our lives. *Recommended Article: Planning for the Future while Trusting God’s Provision (see provided link).