Even If
“What If?” Meets The Faithfulness Of Abba
“Do not fear, for I am with you...I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
The Question Fear Loves To Ask
Have you ever noticed how often fear begins with two little words?
What if?
What if the diagnosis isn't good? What if this relationship doesn't work out? What if I lose someone I love? What if the money isn't there? What if tomorrow doesn't unfold the way I'm praying it will?
Fear has an amazing ability to take something that hasn't happened and let us experience all the emotions as though it already has.
Another Way To Live
Scripture doesn't indicate there aren't things in this life that can frighten us.
Instead, again and again, Abba reminds us of something greater than whatever we may face.
“I am with you.”
“I will strengthen you and help you.”
“God has given us...power, love, and a sound mind.”
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me.”
“The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The promise isn't that every “what if” will turn out the way we want. The promise is that none of them can take us somewhere His Love will not already be present.
From What If To Even If
That's where “even if” becomes such a beautiful statement of trust.
Even if tomorrow is difficult, He will be there. Even if the answer isn't the one I wanted, I will still be held. Even if the road takes a turn I never expected, I won't be walking it alone.
“Even if” isn't expecting the worst. It's knowing Abba well enough to trust His heart whatever comes.
His Long Game Of Love
I've lived long enough to look backward and see His faithfulness in places that frightened me when I was walking through them. Not everything made sense, and not everything felt good, but His lovingkindness never left me.
So when fear whispers, “What if?”, I want my heart to remember what His love has already taught me:
Even if.
Even there.
Even then.
Even that.
I will still be loved, still be held, and still be walking with the One whose lovingkindness has been authoring the story of my life.
Reflection
What “what if” has been occupying my thoughts?
What has Abba's faithfulness already taught me about His heart?
What would it look like to answer today's fear with “even if”?
Prayer
Abba Father, when fear asks “What if?”, remind my heart of Your faithful love. Whatever comes, I know You will already be there. Amen.