What If ?

What If? Two little words.

Looking Back

As we start a new year, sometimes we look back and ask that question…

A question that’s been asked many many times in different ways. You’ve probably asked it yourself.

What If

. . . . I had gotten that promotion?
. . . . my team had won that one game?
. . . . I had won the lottery?
. . . . the special person in my life hadn’t died too young because of cancer?

Looking Forward

At this time of year, we also often look forward and ask that same question.

What if

. . . . I find a great job?
. . . . we have to move?
. . . . we bought an electric vehicle?
. . . . my kids get sick?

I found even more thought provoking questions.

What if

. . . . God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?
. . . . we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
. . . . God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
. . . . God met our needs the way we give Him our lives???

Like I said – asked so many times in so many different ways. I don’t want to ask those last questions

In Music and Movies

Those 2 words are also used in several contemporary Christian songs. . .

One is “The Motions” by Matthew West (listen here).  It talks about not looking back on your life and saying what if I had done what I could instead of just doing the minimum.

Another that I like is “One Step Away” from Casting Crowns.  What if you could go back and change one day in your past to fix a mistake?

There was a movie made in 2010 that gave a man a chance to see what his life could have been.  It was appropriately called “What If…” In the movie, Ben got a chance to see the results if he could go back and make a different choice that day.  A wonderful movie, an entertaining, funny and touching story, similar to “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Family Man”.

Of course, in real life, we don’t have a time machine.  We can’t go back and change the past.  But, the rest of that Casting Crowns song gives us some hope. . .

As the song says, what if you knew you were just one step away from God?

Second Chances

God’s famous for 2nd chances– and 3rd, 4th, 5th. . . Now, as the angel said in the ‘What If’ movie, there’s a cost to every decision.  If you make the right decision after the 2nd or 3rd chance after 15 years . . . God can do amazing things.  But, if nothing else – you’ve still lost 15 years.  So don’t wait.

I got a 2nd chance a few years ago.  There was a job opportunity, but I said no to out of fear.  Then, nine months later, I got a 2nd chance at it.  It was a gift from God.  A little later, there was a small ministry opportunity God tried to get my attention with and I didn’t listen.  Eventually, months later, I paid attention.  But, in both cases, time was lost.  And, people were not served and helped.

Here’s one more song. . .one more “What If..”

What If . . .

“What If I Gave Everything” from Casting Crowns.  Again, it’s about not looking back on your life.  It’s about looking forwards. What if you gave God every part of your life and saw what He could do.  As the song says,  see mountains move…

That’s what Ben did in the movie.  He gave up everything.  He gave up the money, the car, the prestige.  And, he devoted his life to following God’s calling.

If we trust in God, we should trust His plans.  And, give Him everything. Put every area of our life under His control.  Use our time, talents and money as He sees fit.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a missionary in Africa or be penniless or homeless.  Sometimes, we’re afraid God’s plan for us is going to be something we hate.  I believe God wants to use you right where you are.  He wants to use you to do what He made you to do.  But, we do have to stop holding back.  You don’t want to live a life that you’ll regret later.  We can put our trust in Him and step out in faith.  And follow His nudges and do the very next thing He asks us to do.  And move in the right direction.  Just take that one step.  Why not ask God for the strength to stop holding back and step out into deeper waters?  Sounds like a great way to start the New Year, no?

And watch Him move mountains.

 

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