Leslie M. John
Yield to the Will of God
“ For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or
that” James 4:15
James, an Apostle of Jesus Christ warns that a believer should never say that he
will do something on his own. It is wrong on the part of believer to say that
”today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and
buy and sell, and get gain”. This sort of statement-making by believer shows
that the believer can live by himself, without the help of God. The statement
shows that he is capable of achieving something on his own. It is an assertion
by the believer that he can go with his friend either today or tomorrow to a
place of gain, continues to live there for a year, buy, sell, and make profit.
He makes statement as if God’s help is not required and he can do all by
himself, even buy, sell and make profit.
The Word of God says that man does not know what the next day may bring forth in
man’s life. The man, who makes such statement, does not know that his life is
like a vapor, which appears but for a little while, and then vanishes. No one on
this earth can exactly say what the next moment can bring forth in his/her life.
Therefore, the Word of God, exhorts us that we should always say "if God is
willing", before making a firm statement. Man can never be sure of his future.
Believer should learn to say "if God is willing that I live”; He should prefix
“If God is willing” before making any firm statement and continue to say, I
would do this or that.
Humble nature of a believer only can make his heart to yield to the will of God.
Pride and grace are just opposite to one another. If we are proud of our
achievements, and capabilities, we will fail, but if we depend on the grace of
God he draws near to us, and helps us in times of our trouble. Submit,
therefore, always to the Will of God, and resist the devil.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from
you. ” James 4:7