What if it was I?
I used to ask myself that question after hearing of increasing violence at schools and churches by militant religious attackers. What if it was I who had a gun to my head or a knife to my throat, demanding that I deny Christ to keep my life? What if that gun or knife was held to one of my children, or my husband? I used to pray that I'd be strong and faithful. I still pray that! I would tell my children that I loved them no matter what happened, but I would have to say that I loved God more, and I would see them in heaven again someday. It can be easy to say what I would want to do in that situation, but what would I actually do if it really came to that? I hope never to have to find out, but may the Lord's will prevail, whatever that may be.
Again, though - what if it was I? What if I had been a Samaritan or Gentile back in the times before Jesus? What if I had been a Jew during WWII, forced into hiding or hauled off to a concentration camp? What if I were a refugee with no safe place without persecution to call home? What if I lived without clean water, and my family and I were constantly ill, battling for our lives more with each bout of disease?
What about now, with COVID-19 causing many concerns? Some people have lost their jobs and some people don't have their basic necessities. Some people are trying to work full-time jobs from home (when those jobs were never intended to be worked from home) and care for their children, making sure they are receiving some academic instruction at the same time. Some people need to work outside the home when they or someone else in their home is considered high-risk for catching the virus. Some people are fearful about their health or that of loved ones. Some people are sick or know someone who is sick...or have already lost someone. These scenarios are becoming reality for more and more people. Some people are not only dealing with COVID-19, but also with natural disasters, such as wildfires (in Thailand), a locust infestation (in many countries in East Africa and South Asia), floods and mudslides (Brazil), earthquakes, tornadoes, etc. at the same time. People around the world still succumb to many of the same troubles that we all dealt with previously - heart attacks, strokes, vehicle accidents, other viruses and infections, etc. COVID-19 may have stolen the attention of many, but there are plenty of additional concerns for people.
Sometimes I wonder if my family has peace because we aren't struggling like some others.
When I was thinking about these questions, God brought the following verses and passages to my mind.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:33-34 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
James 4:13-17 - Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If is is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Isaiah 64:8 - Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Matthew 7:12 - So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 25:35-40 - "'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"
It can be dangerous to dwell in the "what-ifs." I had this conversation with my daughter just this week. I told her perfectionism is the pits, and I understand because I have struggled with it, too! God told me to tell her that she was listening to the lies in her head, that the "what-ifs" were Satan's weapon. He loves using "what-ifs" to cause us to doubt and he was using them to cause her to doubt what she could do. Praise the Lord, she immediately determined to fight him and his lies and her countenance changed in that moment!
Sometimes we need to consider some "what-if" scenarios, but we are told to be wise and make plans with the right guidance. John 7:24 says "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly." Proverbs 24:6 says "Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers." Proverbs 1:5 says "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."
We must be careful not to allow Satan to speak doubt and lies into our lives. Don't allow the "what-ifs" to be the only voices you hear. Check them with truth, and if they don't match up, get rid of them!
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
So, what if it is I?
If my family happens to encounter more difficult and painful circumstances, I plan to choose peace. If I happen to catch the current virus and succumb to it in death, I plan to go in peace. I trust God. I know that he promises to never leave me nor forsake me, and he has promised good things on the other side of this life.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those who minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Psalm 73:24 - You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
What if you haven't made a decision about Jesus yet? This is a very important "what-if" that must absolutely be considered. Seek wisdom and ask for Jesus to introduce himself to you. Seek the wisdom of others around you. Go to a church and begin asking questions.
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
