Thoughts for Thursday - What If?

There has been a lot of change in my life lately, and I know I'm not the only one. I know we all can relate to the downturn and uncertainty of the economy, the election last week & the changing of power that will take place soon, and the coming hustle and bustle of the Holidays (that can be both good & bad stress!) ;) And for me personally, my daughter is probably going to be re-disctricted into a new school next year and my son will be starting preschool. In thinking about the new school issues and having to leave a school where we are comfortable, have friends, and roots....I realized maybe this is God's way of reminding my family not to attach ourselves to worldly things, but to attach ourselves to God. For His love alone, is steadfast and un-changing.

Sometimes the older we get the more resistant we are to change, even good change. I think it is simply a fear of the unknown, and the "what if's" that go along with it.

I received some great encouragement from Proverbs 31 Ministry the other day on dealing with the "What If's" in life that I would like to share with you.

“What If?”

By Susanne Scheppmann

“Then Esther sent this message to Mordecai:
’Go and gather together all the Jews of Shushan and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day;

and I and my maids will do the same; and then, though it is strictly forbidden, I will go in to see the king; and if I perish, I perish.’”

Esther 4:15-16 (TLB)

“Are you afraid of snakes?” my friend’s son asked with a smirk.

I felt a surge of fear at the question. Then I noticed his hands hidden below the kitchen counter. I swallowed hard as I realized he probably held a snake in his twelve-year-old hands.

What if I answered, “Yes”?

What if, he tossed it in my lap to watch my horrified reaction?

“Not much,” I answered.

Sure enough, he came around the corner holding a wiggly, white and orange snake.

However, my answer had clearly deflated his mischievous intentions. He brought the harmless critter closer but held it tightly in his hands. Bored with the result, he left the room with the snake in tow to find a different surprised soul with a phobia of snakes. I breathed a sigh of relief and unclenched my sweaty palms.

Don’t we often react in the same manner with God? We fear that if we decide to trust Him, He will allow something horrible in our lives. We ask ourselves all sorts of fear-filled questions. What if God sends me to be missionary in a remote country? What if I get cancer? What if He wants me to live a life of poverty? What if He takes one of my children? What if He desires I stay single? What if? What if? What if?

An ancient queen, Esther, faced a tremendous “what if” in her life. She was called upon to stand up to an evil man, Haman, at the risk of losing her life. At first, she reacted with a stout refusal. But her cousin Mordecai challenged her with these words, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NLT). Esther overcame her fear and responded with the words found in our Key Verse, “though it is strictly forbidden, I will go in to see the king; and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:15-16 TLB).

I want that kind of courage. I desire to have God’s Spirit to overcome all my “what if” fears. I desire to trust Him in every area of my life. Whether it is in overcoming a fear of a silly, wiggly snake or a terrible, malevolent tyrant, I need His peace in my life.

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)

This was a great reminder to again, put my trust and faith in God, because He alone can provide us with the peace we seek. Thank you for stopping by The Gift Closet & have a blessed day!!!

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