WHAT IF

What then shall we say to
these things? If God is for
us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare His own
on, but delivered Him over for
us all, how will He not also
with Him freely give us all things?
Romans 8:31,32

I don't think I know of any two words that shows our lack of faith like the two words “What if...” We are living through difficult days that are more than trying. Isolation and masks have become very old. We don't know what to believe from any news reports regarding the Virus. Some report one thing while another channel or newspaper can report another. It's more than frustrating for all of us. However, the two featured words I have noted are not just for these days. They are words through our lifetime we may have used on many occasions. Let me give a few examples:

WHAT IF:
I had been a better parent
I had finished school
the stock market crashes
this virus goes on for another year
my blood tests reveal a dire problem
I have a flat tire on the way to church
I get the virus
and on, and on, and on, and on, etc, etc, etc.

Notice our “what if's” can involve not just a future concern, but can also cause us to look back. When working as a social worker with often very abused children, they usually went through testing and therapy when going into foster care. Still to this day, therapists feel the only way of healing is to cause a person to go back and relive past tragedies or horrible events for healing to take place. Most adults have never gone for any kind of psychological therapy sessions but still put themselves through the torture off and on of looking back with blame and depression. In everything listed above, there isn't one single thing from the past that can be changed. Those that look to the future, at best, aren't worth consideration because of the negative outcomes expected. Through the years, when I look at my “what if's”, in all probabilities, in the 90% area, none of my “what if's” came to pass. Only our Heavenly Father sees our futures and by faith, we know He does all things well. We can't have better assurance than the title verse Romans 8:31.

“What's” and “if's” can be positive and encouraging. They can be words of hope and dreams. They are words we mostly say to ourselves and not use in general conversation. God doesn't want to hear “What if I can't do such and such...?.” That's what we have to avoid. Using those words look back at past failures or things we wish we had done differently, shouldn't be a part of forward looking Christians.

A good portion of our “what if's” could be answered with “I can.” Ours is a positive Gospel, positive faith and message in every way. If not careful, we can find ourselves using our “what if's” as we look at God's work or lack of in our lives. “What if God doesn't...” should never cross our mind. We know that always will work all things together for our good. Despite our circumstances, God is the positive in our lives. He will always be our great I AM. With Him there are no “what if's.”

Dear Father, I'm so grateful you are the same yesterday, today and forever...the great I AM. Thank You for the knowledge that You will always do what is in my best interest with no strings attached as the world does things. Thank You for Jesus and Your Spirit who leads and guides in my life. In Jesus precious name...Amen