From What If to Even If | Tuesday
Devotional
We’ve all been there—lying awake at 2 AM, our minds racing through endless scenarios of what could go wrong. What if I lose my job? What if my kids make poor choices? What if my health fails? What if, what if, what if… It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
Here’s a perspective that might change everything: worry often functions like prayer directed to the wrong object. When we rehearse our fears over and over, we’re giving them the attention and energy that belongs to God. We’re treating our anxious thoughts as if they deserve more consideration than God’s promises.
The shift from ‘what if’ to ‘even if’ thinking is revolutionary. Instead of ‘What if I lose my job?’ try ‘Even if I lose my job, God will provide.’ Instead of ‘What if my child rebels?’ consider ‘Even if my child makes poor choices, God’s love for them is greater than mine.’
This isn’t positive thinking or denial—it’s faith. It’s choosing to anchor our thoughts in God’s character rather than our circumstances. Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway, but even if they did, we serve a God who is bigger than our worst-case scenarios.
Every anxious thought becomes an opportunity to practice this shift. When worry knocks on the door of your mind, don’t ignore it—redirect it. Take that concern and turn it into a conversation with the One who actually has the power to do something about it.
Bible Verse
“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.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Reflection Question
What ‘what if’ thoughts have been consuming your mental energy lately, and how might you reframe them as ‘even if’ statements of faith?
Quote
You shift from. What if. What if this happens? What if I. What if they. What if we. What if it. Whatever. What if. Even if. What if is worry, even if is faith.
Prayer
Father, I confess that I’ve been praying to the wrong person through my worry. Help me to bring every anxious thought to You instead of rehearsing my fears. Transform my ‘what ifs’ into ‘even ifs’ grounded in Your faithfulness. Amen.