Daily Guideposts - September 11, 2005

 

September 11

Sunday

 

Put your hope in God.... —Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

 

“What if this happens again?”

 

That’s the fearful question I carried around in my heart after my husband Lynn suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that threatened his life and required two brain surgeries before he recovered earlier this year. It’s the same question many of us ask after something fearful happens in our lives.

 

As I remember back four years ago to the terrible day that terrorists attacked our country, I ask myself:

What if... terrorists strike again?

What if... another plane gets hijacked?

What if... something like this happens to me or someone I love?

As I ask myself these questions, I remember what I kept repeating when similar “What if...?” questions plagued me after Lynn’s brush with death. For every “What if...?” question, God gave me an “Even if. . .” answer:

Even if... I have to face my worst fear, God is still in control.

Even if... things don’t turn out the way I want, God’s love is still sufficient.

Even if... ____(write your fear here)_________, God’s promises are still true.

For every “What if...?” fear, Father, remind me of your “Even if...” promise.

—Carol Kuykendall