I like following sports because I believe it to be a microcosm of life in some ways. For example, it shows how unpredictable life can be. Two weeks ago, LA Clippers, an NBA Basketball team, were at the brink of a breakthrough after learning that their archrival’s best player was hurt (Steph Curry). But the very next game, their own two best players got hurt and were subsequently knocked out of the playoffs.

Another example: Since I’m not preaching this Sunday, I have scheduled many things this week thinking that I’ll have a very productive week. But this morning, I wake up sick! Now, I want to cancel all plans for this week! We may plan, but it is the Lord who decides whether they will get executed…

It is truly foolish to trust in our own abilities. It is even foolish to plan for the future without factoring God in. We may think if we earn our degrees and store up, then we will have many good years to enjoy, but God may take it all away with one swerving car unto our lane on the way home today!

Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trust in man

and makes flesh his strength,

whose heart turns away from the Lord.

He is like a shrub in the desert,

and shall not see any good come.”

Jeremiah 17:5-6

Do not trust in your abilities. Do not trust your retirement savings. Do not trust your family and relatives. Only trust in the Lord who is sovereign over all things that we care about.

Say not, “I will do this tomorrow…” but rather, “If the Lord wills, I will do this tomorrow…” (James 4:15)

PH