“IF ONLY”

And we know that all things

work together for good to them

that love God, to them who

are the called according to

His purpose.

Romans 8:28

The above verse has been thrown around and used conveniently in almost every circumstance of people's lives. Folks often use it on someone who is going through a very difficult time. It can be used in uncomfortable ways not intended by Paul or the Holy Spirit. I feel it should be used wisely and in love. Every phrase in the verse is important and builds right up to the very last few words. A key phrase in this verse, that is often left out when quoted, is the phrase “to them that love God.” That is crucial even in applying the verse to our own circumstances.

Corrie ten Boom is a hero of mine. I've read about everything she's written that I can get my hands on. She and her family suffered terribly during Hitler's reign in Word War II. One of his main goals was to rid the earth of all Jewish people. He hated and punished anyone who assisted Jewish people in escaping or in hiding them. Hiding Jews at risk is what the ten Boom family did until betrayed by a neighbor.

Her father died in just a matter of days after being arrested. Corrie and her sister spent time in a couple of concentration camps. They took their ministry for God with them ministering to ladies also in the camps as best they could. Corrie's sister died in just a matter of weeks before Corrie was released.

In all of her writings, one can see pithy statements that in themselves seem to preach sermons, often very convicting ones. This week, one of her statements crossed my computer screen. Corrie simply said, speaking of herself and past negative memories:

“I had to surrender my 'if only' to Jesus?”

It made me recall over the last year or so, the “if only” thoughts I have punished myself with..things that were and still are out of my control. Most of us have such thoughts as we look back. If we could go back, I'm not sure we would do anything differently. What's unique in her statement is the use of the word “surrender.” Surrendering has to do with our almost forcibly having to give something up we desperately want to hang onto. “What if”...it's nothing we can do anything about so for our spiritual health, we must hand those things over to Jesus and then simply walk away, leaving it all with Him. I can't do that on my own. Like other things, I have to have the strengthening of the Holy Spirit that enables me to just let go of whatever it is I don't need to hang onto. If we don't hand such over, it will just be another “if only” added to the rest that will nag us somewhere down the road.

Dear Father, You are in charge of my life and work all for my good and your glory. Help me to hang on to that promise no matter what comes into my life. Keep me from any “if onlys” Satan may bring to mind. I love You and rest in You. In Jesus' name...Amen