We see the choice in front of us.
The Lord is tugging at our hearts.
He’s asking big things.
It’s easy to get stuck at the crossroads.
Weighing the options.
Making a list of all the things that might happen if we do what He’s asking us to do.
Maybe we can get out of this analysis paralysis by flipping the question.
Not what-if-we-do but what-if-we-don’t?
The answer may overpower every excuse Satan is so easily distracting us with.
The greater risk may not lie in what-if-we-do. Consider the opportunity cost attached to what-if-we-don’t.
What if we are making the choice harder than it needs to be? What if we are complicating it with our long list of what-if-we-do?
Instead, try to imagine what happens if we don’t.
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
~1 Peter 4:17-19
Instead of letting fear stand in the way, let’s put it in its proper place.
What-if-we-don’t reverent fear creates what-if-we-do confidence. We decide to trust Jesus – really trust Him. All of a sudden we’re no longer stuck in a staring contest with a list of obstacles to conquer alone.
We’re fixated on our Savior instead.
The One who is supposed to be writing our only list.
The One who is ready to take our hand and walk with us.
The One who is willing to carry us past every obstacle on that other list – that flimsy list we tried to make on our own – that what-if list we can’t even remember anymore.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. ~1 John 2:16-17 (ESV)
Father, thy will be done. Even if it hurts right now, help us remember that You are God, and we are not. Turn our fear into confidence in You. ~Amen
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