Our Lives Are Not Our Own ∙
I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. – Jeremiah 10:23
Psalms 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalms 37:5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
A Life Consecrated to God
William Borden was raised in a devout Christian home where reading Scripture and praying as a family were daily routines. These spiritual values profoundly influenced his character and became part of his identity. At age seven, inspired by R.A. Torrey, Borden made the life-changing decision to dedicate himself to God’s service. This early commitment laid the foundation for a life devoted to the Lord.
Borden studied at Yale and Princeton Theological Seminary, preparing himself for ministry. After completing his education, he set out for China as a missionary, fully committed to spreading the gospel.
Sacrifice and Service
As the heir to the Borden family fortune, William was independently wealthy. However, he chose to give away his inheritance and dedicate his life to world evangelism. His devotion to God led him to serve wholeheartedly, putting his faith into action. On his way to China, Borden stopped in Egypt to learn Arabic, a vital step for his mission work. Tragically, at age 25, he contracted spinal meningitis and died within a month.
A Legacy of Obedience
The news of Borden’s death was widely reported, with nearly every major American newspaper covering the story. His biography captured the profound impact of his life: “A wave of sorrow went around the world . . . he not only gave up his fortune, but himself to be a missionary.” For Borden, obedience to God was of the utmost importance. He once told his fellow students, “There must be a definite determination to do God’s will. Do you lack power? Ask yourself, ‘Have I ever truly surrendered? Have I definitely consecrated myself? Have I put myself at God’s disposal, to use as He deems best?’” He emphasized, “Obedience, which is the price of power, must not only be absolute but daily.”
Triumph in Tragedy
Though his death seemed untimely, it was far from a tragedy. Instead, it became a triumph for the kingdom of God. Borden’s life and death inspired thousands of young men and women to surrender their lives to Christ and dedicate themselves to spreading the gospel. His tombstone bears a powerful inscription: “Apart from Christ, there is no explanation for such a life.” This statement captures the essence of his devotion and the eternal impact of his sacrifice.
Sherwood Day, a close friend from Yale, reflected on Borden’s life in his journal: “I have absolutely no feeling of a life cut short. A life abandoned to Christ cannot be cut short. ‘Cut short’ means not complete, interrupted, and we know that our Master does no halfway jobs.”
A Call to Surrender
As children of the King, we are reminded that our lives are not our own. We were bought at a price and belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. This truth is beautifully expressed in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
REFLECT & PRAY
Jeremiah’s life exemplifies surrender and obedience. As Ryken notes, “Jeremiah was crushed physically, domestically, and socially along with the people of God. His calling as a prophet of God did not deliver him from suffering; it destined him for it.”
Father, thank You that You have an eternal plan for my life. You have a vision for me to fulfill while I am here on earth. Encourage me to walk in submission to You.
INSIGHT
A Life in Submission to the King
As children of the King, we entrust our eternal destiny to the loving hands of our Father. The effectiveness of a life of faith depends on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with Him. God desires to lead and direct our lives, working out His will on earth. However, it is always our choice. It is our responsibility to yield control to Him, both as a one-time act of surrender and as a continual, daily choice.
Jeremiah: A Model of Faith and Submission
The prophet Jeremiah exemplifies a life of faith and submission. Living in a time of great turmoil, Jeremiah recognized God’s sovereignty and prayed with that understanding. His words in Jeremiah 10:23 reflect this acknowledgment:
“I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course” (NLT).
“LORD, we know that people do not control their own destiny. It is not in their power to determine what will happen to them” (NET).
Jeremiah’s thoughts align closely with the wisdom found in Proverbs: Proverbs 16:9: “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” And Proverbs 20:24: “The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?”
The Sovereignty of God in Our Lives
Jeremiah is saying something like this: “This is not my life. The life that I live does not belong to me; it belongs to God.” As Ryken explains, “The life you live is not your own. Even your footsteps are directed by God. Jeremiah did not always know where he was dancing. It is often the case that we see how God has directed our footsteps most clearly when we look back over our shoulders.”
Matthew Henry further elaborates: “The prophet here acknowledges the sovereignty and dominion of the divine Providence, that by it, and not by their own will and wisdom, the affairs both of nations and particular persons are directed and determined.”
The poetic structure of Jeremiah 10:23 is synonymous parallelism. The two clauses mirror each other in meaning, affirming that no human has absolute control over their destiny. Various translations highlight this idea:
“Lord, I see that a man’s fate is not in his own hands. It is not he who determines his way of life” (GECL).
“Lord, I know that man is not capable of living as he should; he doesn’t have the means to direct his steps in the right direction” (FRCL).
“Now, I know, O YAHWEH, that our destinies are not our own to choose, and it is not in our power to direct our own step” (TPT).
The Struggle of Faith in Suffering
Jeremiah’s life was characterized by inner tension as he struggled with his situation. He suffered alongside his fellow Israelites, even though he wasn’t guilty of their sins. This challenge is common among all believers. As Timothy M. Willis points out, “Jeremiah’s words betray an internal struggle between acceptance of suffering and a desire for vindication and revenge. Suffering is a part of life, whether deserved or not. The attitude of faith accepts such suffering, looking to God for comfort, not an explanation.”
Jeremiah’s prayer in Jeremiah 10:24 reflects this attitude. Willis observes, “He sees suffering as part of his education. The LORD is ‘correcting’ him, disciplining him. He prays only that his suffering will be meted out with justice, not in your anger. The ultimate purpose of such hardships is the building up of those who suffer, not their annihilation.”
Discipline A Mark of God’s Love
The New Testament explains that God’s discipline is a deep expression of His love and is essential for spiritual growth. It functions not only as correction but also as an invitation for deeper transformation.
Hebrews 12:4-11 provides a powerful perspective:
“Have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves . . . . As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children.
Whoever heard of a child whose father never disciplines? Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening; it’s painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
Trusting God’s Guidance
The book of Proverbs reminds us of the importance of trusting God’s direction: Proverbs 3:4-5: “Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
Jeremiah’s life and teachings highlight the importance of trusting God’s plan. Even when we don’t fully understand His intentions, we can rely on His character. The Father designed us to depend on Him for guidance and direction.
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© Dr. H 2026
Dr H Reflections 