Planning Tomorrow with Humble Trust

When we live with eternity in mind, we treasure each day and live with greater purpose.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
(James 4:14 )

On an ordinary October day in 1871, the people of Chicago woke up with plans. Businesses were opening, families were getting ready for the day, and people were heading to work, unaware of how quickly everything would change. No one expected that by nightfall, a fire would sweep through the city and reduce it to ashes.

The writer of James takes us from the streets of Chicago to the condition of the human heart. While he does not criticize planning for life, he confronts the subtle arrogance that assumes tomorrow is guaranteed. James reminds us that our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. That truth is not meant to discourage us but to awaken us. When you understand how fleeting life is, you stop postponing what really matters.

Life offers us a brief window to love well, obey God fully, and invest in what truly lasts. The older we get, the faster time seems to move. Eternity is long, but life is short. When we forget how temporary this life is, we begin living for small and petty things. But when we live with eternity in mind, we treasure each day and live with greater purpose.

It is good to make plans, but only when God is at the center. The moment you act as if you are in control of your tomorrow, you have stepped into a place that belongs to God alone. James warns us against empty boasting and a pride that assumes we are in the driver’s seat of our lives. Even great leaders like Nebuchadnezzar had to learn that lesson the hard way. So, pause before you press ahead, invite God into your decisions, seek wise counsel, and pray before you act. A man or woman of faith plans with intention, walks in humility, and trusts God completely with the outcome.

Bold Step Challenge:
This week, take one specific plan you are excited or anxious about and intentionally place it before the Lord in prayer. Ask God to search your heart for pride, to give you wisdom, and to align your plans with His will. Then take one obedient step today that honors God, even if the future still feels uncertain.

Prayer:
Lord, You alone know what tomorrow holds. Forgive me for the times I plan without seeking You or live as if I’m in control. Teach me to number my days, to walk humbly, and to trust You fully with my future. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listen to the sermon: series title here

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Ministry Update from Mark

Earlier this year, my church here in Chicago set aside 21 days in January for prayer and fasting. Once again, we were reminded of a powerful truth: When we slow down, step back, and intentionally seek God, something begins to shift within us.

Fasting, at its heart, is about creating space for God. It is not about striving or spiritual performance but about choosing to quiet the distractions around us so we can listen more closely. Jesus did not say if you fast, but when you fast. It is an invitation to say with our bodies what we pray with our hearts: “God, we want You more.”

My prayer is that you will make that same kind of space this year, living more surrendered, more attentive, and more available to whatever God wants to do next in your life.