What If…
Chatting about embracing the ‘new’ with my #WeSayItAsWeSeeIt podcast guest, Sarah*, my mind went to projects I'd “sensibly" abandoned - simply because they appeared to have insurmountable problems. I suddenly realised the problems weren't that scary. My fear was leaving my comfort zone and adapting to the inevitable aftermath.
So, what exactly is it that scares us about change?
How do we climb mountains and skydive without blinking an eye, yet shudder when our well-ordered days are disrupted?
Why do we hold on to societal norms with a death grip worthy of Atlas as if anyone would notice if we deviated and trod a different path?
Is the eternal comfort of a pillowy soft bed worth forgoing sleepless nights in pursuit of our dreams?
Do we leave the unknown unexplored, so as not to lose the element of control; and with it the nuts and bolts that hold us together?
I’m not sure where this false notion of security from the vagaries of life came from. It's an alien concept. Jesus clearly warns us that we will have trials here on earth**. Period.
But that doesn’t mean we should burrow down and envelop ourselves in the wispy silkiness of a trouble-free life. True discipleship means rolling with the punches and readying oneself for the next test.
New signals change, and an opportunity to go further. Do better. Do something!
We spend years with "What if...?" plans and visions which never see the light of day, because the negative trumps the hopeful.
What if I fail?
What if you succeed?!
What if they say "No"?
What if they say "Yes"
What if it sets me back?
What if it catapults you forward?!
What if I lose my savings?
What if you gain a pension pot?!
What if God isn't in it?
What if He is?!!
In this wildly unpredictable season of sorrow and unprecedented challenges, I am eagerly seeking both the new and different, ready to fervently grasp their promise.
Here, then, is to braving it out***. To watering the gifts and talents God has lovingly planted inside of us; and in doing so, aligning ourselves with our destinies. When “what if” becomes “If what”, the possibilities are endless.
*Sarah Chukwudebe on 'A New Thing: Get Used To Different'.
**I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
***“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!” John 14:27 TPT