A Promise is a Promise

Bible Reading: JAMES 4:13-15

“It’s so warm and sunny out today. I wish we could go to the beach,” said Keziah at the breakfast table.

“Good idea!” said Dad, and Mom nodded. “Let’s go this afternoon. We can bring a picnic and stay to watch the sunset. We’ll plan to leave as soon as I get home from work.”

“All right!” Keziah gave her dad a big hug as he got up to leave.

When Keziah got home from school, Mom had disappointing news. “I’m so sorry, honey, but we can’t go to the beach today. Dad called and said he has a big project that has to be completed by tomorrow afternoon. It was coming along fine, but his computer crashed today and he lost some of his work and has to redo it. We’ll have to postpone the beach until another day.”

Keziah’s face fell. “But—that’s not fair! Dad said we could go.”

“He planned to go, but now he has to work late,” said Mom. “His boss and coworkers need him to finish his part of the project.”

“But he promised!” wailed Keziah. “And a promise is a promise!”

“Hold on,” said Mom. “He didn’t promise. He said we’d plan to go. When circumstances change, it’s sometimes difficult or even impossible to carry out our plans.”

Keziah plopped down into a chair. “But I’ve been waiting all day to go to the beach.”

Mom pulled up a chair next to her. “I know it’s disappointing, honey. Dad and I are disappointed too.”

Keziah sighed. “I know Dad would go if he could. And I’m sorry he has to do all that work over again.”

Mom nodded. “When our plans don’t work out the way we want them to, we need to remember that God is in control. The Bible tells us that we always need to be aware that our plans may not be God’s will and be willing to submit to Him. We can trust Him, even when things don’t go according to plan, because we’re part of His bigger and better plan—a plan to save us and make the whole world right one day. He promises His plan for our lives is a good one—and that’s a promise you can count on.” LINDA M. WEDDLE

How About You?

When something happens that causes plans to change, do you have a good attitude about it? Only God knows what a day will bring, so be careful not to depend too much on your own plans. Even though it’s disappointing when you aren’t able to do something you had planned, trust God to use each day of your life in His great plan of salvation. He loves you and promises to do what’s best.

Today’s Key Verse:
JAMES 4:15 YOU SHOULD SAY, “IF THE LORD WANTS, WE WILL LIVE AND DO THIS OR THAT.” (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Accept changed plans