Even if…

Why don’t we step out in faith more often? Fear of failure is often why we don’t step out. The what if I fall scares us. The “what if’s” in life scare us. The more out of the ordinary it seems, the more we question “what if”.

Moses had several heartfelt “what if’s” for God. God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery into Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses said “What if?” What if they ask me who I am to deliver a message from you? What if they ask me who you are? What if they don’t believe me? What if I don’t give them the right message from you? What if you send someone more qualified than me? God says “even if”  you don’t feel qualified, I have sent your brother to help you AND I’ll be with you too. Abraham questioned God about Sodom. Jeremiah struggled over his calling. Job questioned God’s fairness. Others in the Bible had “what if” questions for God. He answered them with “even if.”

The enemy often plants “what if” thoughts in our minds. They are most likely the thoughts that take over our imagination. They have no evidence of possibly happening but they confuse us and we have a sense of urgency about them “maybe” happening. They can be far fetched such as “they might have a deadly disease so I can’t shake their hand. I might pick up that disease. I can never shake anyone’s hand!” Don’t treat the lies of the enemy as if they were true. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, is a roaring line, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 He wants to devour your mind and faith.

What about saying and thinking “even if”? This can be a powerful proclamation and mindset shift that helps us face our “what ifs” with faith. It gives us the ability to move forward in spite of possible uncertainties in life. “and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:9 Change your limp “what if” to a firm “even if!”

Even if you step out in faith, and it proves to be a mistake, it is just that-a mistake, not an end. It’s an “even if”, not a “what if”.

God‘s presence and promises are not dependent upon my ability to make the best or right choices. They are dependent upon my stepping out. God can use my choices - be it right or wrong. But we must pray about our “what if” attitude and change them to an “even if” attitude. Make the best possible choice at that minute and ask God to bless the outcome, “even if”.

If I only trust myself and say “what if”, I can think of all the ways I might fail. If I trust God and say, “even if”, He will use my choice, whether I fail or succeed. God‘s promises are not dependent on my ability to choose well, but rather on His ability to use my choices well. God’s promises and presence are not dependent on my “what ifs” but upon His ability to use my “even ifs.”

Step out “even if” you have fear and it feels more like “what if I stumble?” Even if you stumble, “Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:24 God restores those who fall preventing them from hitting the ground.

If it’s not a reassurance to you that “even if” lifts a burden for you to step out, then you don’t really grasp He’s your Savior and that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Rom. 8:28 Don’t get weighed down by your “what if’s”. Find assurance in “even if.”

Once you believe it, that reassurance brings calm, peace and joy. A hesitant “what if’s” heart is called to trust Him with the promises of His presence, His provision and His protection. Your heart and mind will shift from fear to faith.