What If....

Let's begin with my list of "What ifs":

1.    What if I can't do it?

2.    What if it hurts?

3.    What if it requires more than I have?

4.    What if I fall and embarrass myself?

5.    What if others see my failure and stop liking me?

6.    What if I FAIL?

The list could go on and on, but those listed were my biggest "What Ifs". They were the heart of everything I thought; therefore, they were what I allowed to direct my life. By living and allowing the "What Ifs" to guide my life, I stopped living. I stopped trying and started thinking I can't, so why even try. Things became impossible to me. I permitted the "What Ifs" to cripple my progress in almost every aspect of my life.

I am sure I am not alone. What “What Ifs” have you permitted, tolerated and deemed acceptable, to lead your life? Get a pen and write this down:

I have allowed the following to rule my life:

What if…

1.    _________________________________________________

2.    I ________________________________________________

3.    It _______________________________________________

4.    _________________________________________________

5.    _________________________________________________

Are you accepting the fact that you have not been doing what you know you are supposed to be doing because of fear? I realize I have been.

So here are some “What Ifs” I have found worth trying (Trust me, I have to review these often!)

- What if we turn our “What ifs” around and restated them.

1.    What if I can do it?

2.    What if it feels good?

3.    What if it doesn’t require more than I have? Or What if it does require more than I have, but GOD provides what I am lacking?

4.    What if I stand strong?

5.    What if others see my Success and I stop needing the approval of man?

6.    What if I SUCCEED? Would that be so bad?!

- What if we started to believe Philippians 1:6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. [AMP]

What a confidence He has given us! He is faithful! He always has been, and always will be. The problem is we stop trusting His abilities and start trusting our own. We stop relying on Him and start counting on ourselves. Like we have any ability apart from God. Seriously?! He made us. He gave us breath. He gave us Life! I mean, really….Is there anyone who knows us better? Is there anyone more able to help us? 

The truth of the matter is, and it is one of my largest “What If” hurdles to get over, I am afraid of the #6 “What if” restatements. You know the one that says, What if I succeed?. What if I do? I will then be in unknown territory and that terrifies me. Why? Because that brings on more “What ifs”.  It seems to be a vicious cycle.

Except there again, I get my eyes off focus. I start relying and depending on my own abilities and knowledge. Oh what a foolish person I am! I need to stop fearing the unknown; stop trusting my own abilities; stop “What If”ing my way through life. I need to listen to my heavenly Father and trust His spirit to guide me, strengthen me and truly start LIVING!

The following verses are powerful to me. I hope they bring you comfort and to the same conclusion that I just stated.

Psalms 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. [NIV]

What does this verse speak to you? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. [NKJV]

Did you get that last part? A Sound Mind! Not a mind that is confused or fearful. But a mind that knows the will of God. A mind that has knowledge and the clarity of how to use it!

Here are some synonyms for the word sound: good, whole, sturdy, unblemished, perfect, normal, fit, and my two favorites – healthy and thorough.

In the lyrics of Walk On the Water by Brit Nicole are some powerful words:

So get out and let your fear fall to the ground

No time to waste, Don't wait, Don't you turn around and miss out on everything you were made for.  I know you're not sure, so you play it safe, Try to run away. If you take that first step into the unknown,  He won't let you go!

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?

Seriously, What do you have to lose? What are you waiting for?