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IF • What If? – 2/20/22

Our lives move at an incredible speed. They are full of twists and turns, but we better enjoy every dizzying, exhilarating moment, embrace every tearful, fearful event, and cherish every awe-inspiring occasion because life is short. Before you know it, it’s over. There are many things in life we can’t control. We didn’t control the circumstances of our birth, and we don’t know when or how the ride will end. However, we can decide what is going to take place in the dash…that space between the beginning and ending dates, between birth and death. What if you had only one month to live? When a person finds out they have a terminal illness, that the closure date is near, they often live with new purpose. They say the things that need to be said. They do the things that need to be done. They don’t put off anything. They live with incredible clarity and become strategic about how they will spend their final days. What if we lived each day with that kind of clarity and purpose and valued each moment as if it were our last? 

Scriptures – Ephesians 5:15-16; 1 Samuel 17:10-11; Proverbs 29:18; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 25:21

Verses – Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ep 5:15-16) Where there is no vision, the people perish… (Pr 29:18)“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Mt 25:21)

Thought – David had humble beginnings, caring for his father’s sheep. When war broke out between the Philistines and Israelites, three of David’s brothers went to serve in Israel’s makeshift army. The Philistines were fierce warriors, well-trained and equipped for battle. The Israelites were farmers and shepherds, hardly a match for such formidable foes. David’s father sent him to take food and supplies to his brothers. At the battlefront David realizes that the Israelites are terrorized by a giant Philistine warrior named Goliath. This 9’6” brute taunts the army daily and blasphemes their God. He challenges anyone to come out and fight him—winner take all. While the Israelite soldiers quaked in terror, David saw an opportunity, a “what if” moment. Though young in age, and small in frame, he accepted the giant’s challenge, and with one stone and a slingshot, he brought an end to Goliath and the conflict. In this moment, David was prepared, he had a vision of what God could do through him and he didn’t hesitate. David had faithfully tended sheep, spent time alone, time with God. He defended the sheep killing lions and bears that threatened the flock, he gained experience. You, too, need to stay close to God, be faithful in the small things, grow and learn as each opportunity comes your way. If you want to do greater things for God, he will give them to you if you are faithful in the small ones. And realize that with vision there’s a level of uncertainty. You must step out in faith and take some risks to fulfil God’s purpose in your life. The here-and-now is all you have. What if you trusted God and seized the opportunity to do more, be more, serve more and live more? It’s up to you.

Questions – Is there anything you feel called to do, but uncertainty is holding you back? When have you seized a God-given opportunity? What happened? When have you felt led to do something, but didn’t? What happened? How has God used the small things to prepare you for greater things? Do you have a vision? What is it? Are you moving toward it? If so, how? If not, why?

Response – Be faithful in the day-to-day responsibilities God has given you. Put your faith in God and keep moving forward. Accept the opportunities he places before you and make the here-and-now count for him.

Prayer – Holy God, show me your vision for my life. I want my time on this earth to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Help me to keep moving forward and trust you when the way isn’t clear. In your strength and in your power I can do all things through you, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In your name I pray, amen.

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