What to Do with Our What Ifs
By Megan Evans
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Worry has a way of igniting a series of “what-ifs.” These thoughts trickle down from our heads to our hearts with a lit fuse ready to detonate an explosion of fear. Yet, sure-footed in God’s Truth, we can stomp out these sparks quickly and rest in His peace instead.
Satan knows the effect of God’s power and peace in our lives and tries hard to deter us from trusting the Lord. It is the classic cartoon scene of the coyote chasing the roadrunner. With a baited trail, the wily coyote waits nearby to drop an acme anvil or blast TNT. Worry stems from fear, and ultimately these fretful thoughts and emotions are crumbs the enemy uses in hopes of luring us into traps of faithlessness and hopelessness.
However, the Bible reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that a spirit of fear is not from God. Therefore, the pesky cartoon scene that plays out in our hearts and minds is no match for the Lord. Thankfully, we fight with God’s power, or dunamis. In fact, the Greek word for “power” used here in this verse is where we get our word “dynamite.”
Praise God! We can find peace and sound mind, and we can demolish our fears with God’s power and love. We can do hard things, and we can overcome impossible situations because God is bigger than what we see and experience in this life. He is bigger than our greatest worry.
As we consider what to do with our what-ifs, we can lean into Jesus today for His Wisdom and Strength. Power over worry is not found in ourselves. Instead, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 reminds us that “we use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
Therefore, when we find ourselves worrying, the first thing we should do is pray. Ask God to abolish this fear and strengthen us with His Truth. It is important not to ignore our what-ifs but to compare what we are thinking and feeling with God’s Word. Memorizing a verse like 2 Timothy 1:7 is a great way to take worried thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. In addition, 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) tells us, “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” You may even find it helpful to journal your prayers and record the date to remind yourself that a particular fear has been left at the cross.
Consider some areas of worry you may have for yourself or others today:
- What if I fail?
- What if I find myself in need?
- What if I’m waiting for answers?
- What if my health declines?
- What if I made past mistakes?
It is easy to rattle off a list like this, and perhaps you can think of a few more. Yet, what a difference it makes when we allow God’s Truth to stomp out worry. It stops fear in its tracks. Praise God! In place of our what-ifs, we will begin to see God’s glory in action in every scenario. In Christ we can live bold instead of timid.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Most of what we worry about isn’t a reality, but even when we experience hardship, it doesn’t change God’s character and love. It just means we get to lean into His strength and protection. His power and presence are with us in the midst. How can we ever do life without our Savior? And we don’t have to!
In the good days and bad, God is our Strength and Confidence, our Provider and Giver of daily needs and spiritual gifts. He is our Comforter and Healer. In Christ we stand with our Redeemer and Victor! For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.
What are some “what-if” thoughts that have taken your mind captive today? What specific fears can you identify and surrender to the Lord today? Stomp out fear by praying God’s Word over each one and live boldly with Christ in His power and victory.
Further Reading:
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Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
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