But. . .What If?

Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:5-8

Trisha’s stomach clenched nervously, and her eyes filled with tears. “Goodbye, Summerville,” she whispered. “I’ll miss you.” Trisha’s dad had recently gotten a job in another state, and her family was moving.

“Alright, kiddos, time to get in the van,” Dad called. “We have a long ride ahead of us.”

Trisha’s brother, Karl, whooped in excitement. “Yay! This will be an adventure,” he hollered. “I’m glad we’re moving to the coast. We can go to the beach all summer long!”

Trisha was angry. Why was her brother so happy when they were leaving everything they had ever known behind?

Mom noticed Trisha’s expression. “What’s wrong, sweetie?” she asked.

Trisha burst into tears. “I’m so scared. We’re moving so far away from home. What if a hurricane comes and we have to evacuate? What if someone gets bitten by a poisonous snake? What if I don’t make any new friends at school?”

“Trisha, do you know what is in front of every single one of those questions you just asked? Two little words: ‘what if.’ Honey, God doesn’t want us to have a spirit of fear. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world, and bad things do sometimes happen. But we can’t live our lives in a shell because we’re afraid of what-ifs.” Mom gave Trisha a hug. “Remember when Dad and I took you to the amusement park for your birthday? You were afraid to ride the roller coaster because you thought you might fall off or get sick. But you finally tried it, and it was one of your favorite things.”

Trisha smiled. “Yeah, once I got on it, it was really fun!”

“Many times the fear that is in our hearts makes us more miserable than the problem itself,” Mom said. “But you don’t have to live in fear, because Jesus is always with you. He saved you from sin and death, the scariest things of all, and promises to watch over you. Trust Him to help you when you feel afraid.”

Trisha nodded. “Thanks, Mom. I won’t let what-ifs stop me from having a good time anymore!” Madison Blizzard

How About You?

Do you struggle with the fear of what-ifs? Are you afraid of bad things that might happen? It’s easy to let our fears keep us from enjoying life, but that’s not the way Jesus wants us to live. He saved us so we could enjoy the life He’s given us. Enjoy the blessings He’s brought into your life, and trust Him to take care of the what-ifs.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t fear what-ifs