Exodus 4:1 Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.'”

Two words can paralyze your faith and stop your obedience in its tracks. Those two words are “what if.” Moses has a clear command from God to go to Egypt and lead the people out of bondage and into the promise land. Instead of cheering with expectant triumph, he cowers with fear wondering what will happen if no one listens to him. Instead of rejoicing over what has been promised he begins to consider the worst-case scenario.

I am guessing you know what it is like to have your life put on pause because you are contemplating all the “what if’s” surrounding what God has spoken to your life. What if we don’t have the money, what if we don’t meet the right people, what if we fall flat on our faces, or what if they say no? These are just a few “what if’s” that paralyze peoples’ faith. One thing I have learned through the years is that the pain of regret is worse than the pain of failure. When you take your shot and fail, you can get over it pretty quickly. You internally know that you took the shot you felt led to take. I am not saying that those hard knocks don’t hurt. However, when you refuse to try because of fear, the regret of not taking your shot and obey will haunt you for years.

Turn your “what-if” around. Stop asking, “What will happen if I fail?” and start asking, “What if I succeed?” Stop asking what if God does not show up, instead start imagining what it will be like if He does. The same what-if question that has been bringing paralysis could be the same question that brings motivation. Moses discovered that people did listen, God does show up, and that God can use anyone. What if He wants to use you? Let me let you in on a secret: God does want to use you. What if you let Him?

Today’s Challenge: Realize that God has a specific plan for each of us. God desires to use you to bless those around you and display His good news. What if you conquered your doubts by focusing on God’s track record of faithfulness? Stop asking what if things go wrong and start imagining what it will be like when God comes through. Allow the truth of what God can do motivate you to follow the instructions He has given you.

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