Did you read the story about the farmer who hit the jackpot? He had a bumper crop. His yield was so phenomenal that he needed new expansive infrastructure. His financial future was as secure as Fort Knox. As he laid his head on his pillow, his thoughts were on the future: retirement, relaxation, recreation, and rich food. However, he never enjoyed the fruit of his labour—he passed away in his sleep that night. Does this sound like an excerpt from a national newspaper? Perhaps. But this was a parable Jesus told two brothers squabbling over an inheritance (Luke 12:13-21).
Jesus condemned self-centred, presumptuous planning.
The man in Jesus’ parable planned as if he controlled the future. As if he was the master of his destiny. Jesus condemned self-centred, presumptuous planning. Such thinking is the pattern of this world: ‘My will, not thy will, be done.’ Forgetting how fragile and fleeting life is (James 4:14). Our medals, certificates, and titles will, at best have temporary sentimental value after we pass away.
You Must Plan for the Future
Future planning is, of course, not wrong. It is prudent. But the inclination of our hearts matters. Solomon wrote that humanity makes countless plans, but ultimately God’s purposes prevail (Proverbs 19:21). The Lord is in control. He is working in time and space to achieve his ends. His plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2).
Future planning isn’t wrong. But the inclination of our hearts matters.
That does not, however, relinquish human responsibility. We must plan—while acknowledging God’s sovereignty (Psalm 135:6). There is a tension between the two. It is a dance. God leads. We must follow. We must listen.
Just Remember, You Don’t Control It
Jesus’ half-brother urged early Christians to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). This is how Paul lived (Acts 18:21; 1 Corinthians 4:19; Romans 1:10). When the Puritans corresponded, they would write Deo Volente (Latin for ‘God willing’). Similarly the early Methodists, who led revivals in England, habitually added “D. V.” (Deo Volente) to their letters and circulars regarding upcoming events.
Does this mean we must end every phone call, email, or meeting with the words ‘God willing’? Please no! It is not a mantra we must recite to appease God. But it should be the posture and attitude of our hearts.
Must we end every phone call, email, or meeting with the words ‘God willing’?
Paul had this perspective when he prayed for the proverbial thorn to be removed from his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). It was Job’s attitude when he experienced profound grief and trauma (Job 1:21-22). God’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther. Yet her firm trust in providence and sovereignty was palpable as she sought an audience with the king—despite her life being placed at risk (Esther 4:16).
Plan Alongside the Sovereign God
Where does God and his kingdom fit into your education, career, family, ministry, and retirement planning?
Jesus sought God’s will above all else.
What should you do? Are you more blessed than most? Live. Make plans. But also ponder how your privileged position can be used for God’s kingdom. Do you have just enough to live? Or insufficient resources? How will you use your challenges or quandary for God’s glory?
We don’t have to punctuate every sentence with the letters “D. V.” But our lives should cast these letters as a shadow. In doing so, we will be patterning our lives on Jesus’, who sought God’s will above all else (Luke 22:42). This attitude is apt for every circumstance and each day. As we lay our head on our pillow, we can confidently, peacefully, and thankfully pray, “Thy will, not my will, be done.”
