What Is and Not What If

I am always grateful when God uses something He is teaching me to encourage others. Last week this devotional that I had written about what God was teaching me was published over on thelife.com  so I thought I would share it here as well.

My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9 (MSG)

Cancer! Incompatible with life! A horrible accident!
It seems that we are daily bombarded by situations in our lives that cause us to give in to worry and fear. Instead of living in the moment – in the what is as I like to call it – we quickly move to living in the what ifs.

A friend shared that, in her mind she had already buried her husband who had just been diagnosed with bone cancer, when God admonished her to instead celebrate life for all the days that they had together. She said it totally changed how they interacted with one another. Instead of a dark cloud hanging over their heads, they were enjoying God’s grace every day!

Much like the children of Israel had to collect manna for only one day at a time (except for the Sabbath), we too must learn to experience God’s grace one day at a time. His grace is enough for me today, for what is true in my life right now.

Instead of going to “Dr. Google” and checking out everything that could happen, I need to go to God’s word and focus on what He says. I need to discipline my mind to be satisfied that God's grace is enough today, tomorrow, and for all my life! Instead of spending energy I cannot afford to waste worrying about what might happen, I need to thank Him and celebrate that He is all I need for what is true today.

What are your what ifs today?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that Your grace is enough for what is true in my life today. Because of that, I can be satisfied and not live in the what ifs. Help me to trust You, and to discipline my mind to not worry about what hasn’t happened yet. Amen

Take Action

Commit your what ifs to God and refuse to worry. Read Philippians 4:4-7 and practice being satisfied with His grace and sufficiency today. Make your requests known to God with thanksgiving. Guard your mind and let His peace rule your heart.