While we may have goals and a sense of mission for our lives, our future is not ours to determine. We can plan, but we must always do so with the recognition that we do so to honor the LORD and fulfill his mission for us. We plan but understand that we live under God's will for us:   "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' 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. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' (James 4:13-15). We should greet each day as a gift from God. We must make and pursue each goal to bring God glory. Every true sense of direction is a gift from our Father's Word and the Holy Spirit who leads us.

Wise and loving Father, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Please fill me with your holy wisdom. Guide me into a more complete understanding of your will for my life. Please give me the wisdom to live each day with your righteous character and gracious compassion. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.