What if…?
Thoughts: In this fast-paced and often tumultuous world, we frequently find ourselves surrounded by uncertainty and daunting challenges. It’s all too easy to succumb to the prevailing fears of our time — the fear of failure, the fear of change, and the fear of the unknown. These fears have a knack for binding our minds, preventing us from embracing the abundant life that God earnestly desires for each of us. However, as followers of Christ, we are beckoned to a distinctive perspective — a perspective deeply entrenched in faith and firmly anchored in the unwavering promises of God. These promises not only include the eternal kingdom to come; they encompass the reassuring truth that the Holy Spirit walks with us during our earthly sojourn. In John 14:16–18, Jesus tenderly assured His disciples with these words, “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” This promise serves as a steadfast reminder that God’s Spirit is a perpetual presence in our lives, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to face the unknown with unwavering confidence. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:7 emphatically declares, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This potent verse underscores the truth that fear does not originate from God. Instead, He has bestowed upon us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. We possess a divine capacity to conquer fear, step boldly into change, and trust in the unknown, fully cognizant that our God accompanies us every step of the way. So, why do countless believers still find themselves ensnared in the “What if the worst happens” mindset? Many wrestle with sleepless nights, tormented by anxious thoughts of worry and fear. It’s crucial to recognize that this mindset does not align with God’s divine plan. He does not intend for us to dwell in torment or fear. Instead, He extends an invitation to us — an invitation to experience a life that is truly abundant, bold, extraordinary, and adventurous in Him. The good news is that this life is within our grasp; all we need to do is reach out and lay hold of it.
The “What if” Shift: In our daily lives, it’s common to find ourselves entangled in the relentless “What if” loop, where we often dwell on negative scenarios and potential misfortunes. We tend to theorize about how things might go wrong, and these thoughts often dominate our minds. But what if, amidst these moments of uncertainty, we deliberately initiated a shift in our thinking? What if, instead of succumbing to the fear of the worst possible outcome, we dared to ask ourselves, “What if it all works out?” Pause for a moment and consider your greatest fear and worry. Take that very thought and turn it on its head. Visualize how that situation would appear if everything unfolded perfectly. “What if God’s healing touch restored my health completely? What if my financial struggles miraculously dissolved, and my business thrived beyond imagination? What if stepping into the mission field resulted in doors opening before me in ways I never dared to dream?” Contemplate your fears, and then envision those very fears transforming into scenarios of perfect resolution. Believe God is going to do what He promised and start thinking the best outcome is your outcome. Mark 9:23: “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Matthew 9:29: “Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” In this passage, Jesus heals two blind men. He makes it clear that the extent of their healing is directly linked to their faith. This demonstrates the power of belief in determining the outcomes of our lives. Matthew 21:22: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Jesus assures us that through prayer coupled with faith, we can receive all things. This underscores the importance of believing in the positive outcome of our prayers. Mark 11:24: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Jesus reinforces the significance of believing you will receive when you pray. It’s an invitation to trust in God’s provision. John 11:40: “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” Here, Jesus speaks to Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, highlighting the connection between belief and witnessing God’s glory. When we believe, we position ourselves to witness His miraculous works.
Biblical Examples of Believing for the Best: Throughout the Bible, we are presented with numerous awe-inspiring accounts of individuals who clung to unwavering faith and believed for the best, even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds. These testaments serve as beacons of hope, illuminating the path for us to cultivate a mindset that aligns with God’s promises. Consider the remarkable story of Abraham, a man whose faith defied the constraints of age and human limitations. God, in His divine plan, promised Abraham and his wife Sarah a son, despite their advanced years that rendered childbearing a physical impossibility. Yet, in unwavering faith, Abraham chose to believe in God’s promise. Against all rationality, Isaac was indeed born, a testament to the miraculous fulfillment of God’s word (Genesis 21:1–7). Abraham’s steadfast faith serves as a resounding declaration that when we trust in God’s promises, we position ourselves to witness the miraculous. Another remarkable example is the story of David and Goliath, an account that vividly illustrates the transformative power of believing for the best, even in the face of towering adversity. As the Israelite army quaked in fear before the formidable giant, Goliath, a young shepherd named David stepped forward with audacious faith. He boldly proclaimed, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). David’s profound faith in God’s deliverance defied conventional wisdom and led to an astounding victory over the colossal adversary. This iconic account underscores that when we trust in the Lord’s mighty power and favor, giants in our lives can be toppled. The Bible abounds with such stories, each a testament to the extraordinary results that manifest when we embrace faith over fear. In the Book of Joshua, we witness how faith brought down the impenetrable walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:20). In Moses, we see the power of faith parting the Red Sea, creating a miraculous path to freedom (Exodus 14:21). The examples are endless, echoing the profound truth that faith in God’s promises can transform impossibilities into realities. These accounts serve as a compelling invitation for us to adopt a “What if it all works out” mindset, one grounded in trust and confidence in God’s faithfulness. As we explore the depths of God’s Word, we discover that He delights in blessing His children with abundant life (John 10:10), success (Joshua 1:8), and a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). By choosing to believe for the best, we align ourselves with the very heart of God, embracing the extraordinary and witnessing His miraculous intervention in our lives.
In Him,
Tim and Will