Could it be that God really doesn’t want you to plan for your future? Wouldn’t that be careless, like you’re not being a good steward of your life? How do we untangle this spiritual conundrum?

I’m a Planner

I’ll admit it — I’m a planner.

My default is to embrace and run after all things calculated and carefully considered. Not only does having and keeping a good plan in place calm my nerves, it also helps me to feel in control and prepared for whatever might come my way. Adding to that, a good plan keeps me moving forward, especially when insecurities threaten to slow me down or laziness tempts me to take it easy and coast.

On the surface, being a planner with a good plan in place seems like the only way to wisely and carefully live out God’s plan.

But is planning actually the only wise and productive choice, or is it sometimes just a foolish and arrogant illusion?

Cautiously Determine our Every Step

Should you and I cautiously determine our every step all along the way? Or should we throw caution to the wind and boldly follow God’s steps wherever they might lead?

It seems like this passage from James points to the latter of these two options. James was contrasting our human way of doing things — planning out our futures — with God’s steady, certain and…