What ifs seem to plague our society today. As I was driving back and forth from Stockbridge to Garden City during the transition to being pastor, I began to wonder: What if the people don’t accept me? What if I don’t measure up? What if the house in Garden City doesn’t sell? What if I get stuck behind a slow moving truck and don’t make it on time? What if…? Maybe you can relate. Thinking on these what ifs can really weigh you down and become a burden. Then I remembered that I don’t have to carry that alone. We have someone who will come alongside us and not only help us with our burden but will give us guidance when we are in need. His name is Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised Him to us (John 14:16-17). So, I began to pray about these what ifs one by one. As I prayed the list grew longer. Then the Lord impressed upon me something that I had failed to consider. It was not guidance or an answer to any of the what ifs that I had been asking. It was another what if that the Lord asked me! The what if question that the Lord asked me filled me with excitement. Peace suddenly rushed over me and a holy moment ensued. The what if question he laid on my heart was: “What if I (God) showed up?”

• What if God showed up!?
• What if God showed up in the situation that has made you anxious?
• What if God showed up in the middle of your difficulty?
• What if God showed up in your pain? Imagine the power in that statement.

The God of the universe, walking right with you through your deepest valley, protecting you, guiding you and urging you on. How would that change your perspective of your current situation? How would that change your outlook? I’ve heard it said, “If the outlook doesn’t look good, try the uplook!” God wants to show up in your situation today. He wants to transform you and relate to you. How do I know? Because John 1:14 says,

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

He literally decided to show up and show us how to live! He stepped into our messy world to demonstrate his saving grace and meet us where we are. I don’t know the what ifs that you may be facing today, but I know one what if that will change your life. What if God showed up!