DO YOU EVER ASK, "WHAT IF?"

 Indeed the hours is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone.  And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  John 16:32-33    

WHAT IF being scattered was a GOOD thing for the disciples, and was exactly what they needed?  Sometimes I look at the things that cause me distress and pain, and I ask God “Why me?”  I may tell God how afraid I am and that I am caught up in a situation I don’t want to be in, and may even blame God for the situation.  What I should remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).  

WHAT IF God is using my current circumstances to change me and bring me closer to Him?  I could be asking God, “Why me?” and He may be responding “Why not Him?”  If I want to overcome my circumstances, I should focus on Jesus, not myself.  The question of “Why me” actually indicates that I may be thinking more about myself than I am thinking about Jesus…if I am filled with pride, I may think that I deserve a better life.  I am a sinner by nature, and don’t deserve anything.  For by grace I have been saved through faith, and that not of myself it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).  

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS 

WHAT IF I found out that if I were not in my current circumstances, I would continue to live the sinful life I once lived, and the very nature of my circumstances, no matter how severe, have kept me from the temptation of returning to that life?  I could be asking when my circumstances will end; only God has defined that timeline.  God has impeccable timing; He provides circumstances at just the right time to change my life at just the right time.  God’s timing is also based on His eternal timeline, not my earthly timeline.  What I may think of as a long time is a blink of an eye to God and extends beyond my life on earth—He may choose to end my circumstance by giving me heaven.  

Lord, WHAT IF I trusted You to change my life with all of my heart, soul and mind? 

I might not think life is fair, but You will give me exactly what I need on this earth to sustain me eternally.  You said: I will not turn away from doing them good;

but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me (Jer. 32:40). 

Thank you for continuing to watch over me and give me exactly what I need to focus on You.  

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.