Sometimes we may face a situation where we ask “what if?” Those questions come from worry, from fear, from the unknown feelings of what may happen. Those are times when our faith is weaker.
What if….?
1. Fear and worry do not come from God. Matt. 6. The unknown can become a difficult thing. We like to be prepared to address challenges. Mt. 6:25 ff. Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat… God knows that we need these things. Three times in this passage Jesus says “ do not be anxious.” The things He says not to worry about are things we would consider the necessities of life, food, clothing…. He equates being anxious about these things to someone who lacks faith.
2. We can’t let Satan control our hearts. The idea of self control is throughout scripture. Gal. 5.:23. Titus 2:6, and others. Control over how we act and how we think. James 4:4 has the same sentiment. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.
3. Replace “what if” with “even if”. Daniel 3. Instructions were given to fall down and worship the images Nebuchadnezzar had set up or be thrown into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Mishach and Abed-nego refused to do so and were thrown into the furnace. They could’ve asked all sorts of “what it” questions. But they don’t lack the faith to ask those questions. They trusted in God to deliver them. When we ask “what if” we lack the faith they showed under far more difficult circumstances.
4. “Even if” comes from faith and courage, Joshua 1. Also 2 Tim. 1:6. Worry and fear make us captives of Satan. “Even if such and such happens…” I will be faithful. I will be strong. I will be courageous
Fear asks what if
Faith says even if
