What If…..

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”  Isaiah 41:10  (NKJV)

It has been said that the phrase “Fear not” appears 365 times in the Bible.  That’s one for each day of the year.  Apparently fear was a big obstacle for people in those days.  It is for us today too.

What are you afraid of?  I am terrified of tornadoes.   The slightest threat of a tornado makes me anxious.  And believe me,  my kids get tired of sitting in my tiny little closet.  They think I’m overreacting.

Do you ever play the “what if” game in your head?  I do.  Not just about tornadoes, but about spiritual things as well.

What if I tell them about Jesus and they don’t believe?  What if they think I’m weird? What if they don’t want to hang out with me anymore?  What if…. what if… what if….

What if I start a Bible study group and no one comes?

What if I volunteer to serve in a ministry at church and I’m not good at it?  Or I don’t like it?

That question can be paralyzing.  Literally.  Fear of the “what ifs”  can cause us to give up before we even get started!   And the devil LOVES that!  Inactive Christians are no threat to him.

I was listening to one of my favorite speakers, Bob Goff the other day and he posed the question “What if we weren’t afraid anymore?”  What could we do for God if we weren’t afraid anymore?  His answer to this question prompted him to take on a witch doctor that was sacrificing babies in Uganda.  Your answer… like mine… is likely to be less extreme.  But, no less valuable if it benefits the kingdom of God.

Think about it.  What would you do if you weren’t afraid anymore?

Who would you have a conversation with?

Where would you go?

What would you do?

What would you stop doing?

Don’t let the “what ifs” paralyze you.  Fear Not! And move forward in faith today.  God is with you.

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”  Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Prayer:  Dear God, make be brave.  Make me bold.  Use me for Your glory!