Life's one certainty is its sheer uncertainty. As Scripture reminds us, we "do not know what will happen tomorrow" (James 4:14). Real estate developer Larry Silverstein can bear witness to the truth of that text. Though he owned impressive property in New York City, he was, according to his own testimony, obsessed by the desire to add the great Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to his holdings. His wish came true. Six weeks before those two imposing skyscrapers were destroyed by terrorists, he had obtained a 99-year lease worth $3.2 billion for that majestic center.

Sadly, the fulfillment of our dreams can sometimes turn into nightmares. This reminds us not only of the uncertainty of life, but also of the need to align our desires with God's will. Experience teaches us that if we allow presumption to run our lives, the fulfillment of our own compulsive dreams may turn to dust and ashes.

There are legitimate desires, to be sure, but the book of James tells us how to approach them. Instead of presuming that our plans and dreams will be fulfilled, we ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" (4:15).

When we submit our plans to God's will, we can enjoy His peace in the midst of life's uncertainty. —Vernon C Grounds