5 April -What’s the worst that can happen?

There is a question I encourage myself to ask when faced with difficulties, decisions, and worries.

It’s the question, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” “If everything went terribly and the worst happened, would I be okay?”

Put simply the worst thing that could happen is dying and going to hell as far as I am concerned. There is no way out of hell, and you are stuck in constant torment, separated from God and His love and peace forever. That to me is the absolute worst thing that could happen. But if you have a relationship with Jesus and have asked Him to be part of your life then that isn’t going to happen, so everything else is not so terrible in comparison.

In my life I have witnessed and also personally suffered loss, financial difficulties, failure, sickness, rejection, embarrassment, personal attacks from others and countless disappointments. In the midst of these seasons it has been difficult and really, really unpleasant at times, but I’ve discovered that if you know that you can face the worst possible outcome and still be okay then it’ll be alright.

I’ve learnt that I can shelter and take refuge in Jesus, and that if I’m with Him everything will be okay, actually more than okay. Chaos may be breaking out all around me, but in Him I have a much needed refuge, and place of strength and peace.

Much of the anxiety we feel is because we are afraid of something or someone, and we wonder if we are going to be able to cope if something bad happens. But if we hold up “the worst thing that can happen” against the truth that Jesus promises He will be there for us, and will protect, guide and provide for us, it take’s the fear out of the “worst thing”. It doesn’t mean the “worst” would be enjoyable, but it won’t destroy us either.

I’ve watched my Mum live this out as she faced the sudden loss of my younger brother in a plane crash. A parent losing a child is the worst thing many of us would estimate could happen to a person. I remember the phone call notifying us his plane had gone missing, and the wait for confirmation that it had indeed crashed. In the midst of the fear and anxiety, and “the worst that could happen”, God spoke to me and said, “it’s going to be really hard for a while but it’s going to be okay.” And it was. It was really hard, but it is okay. It’s okay because I know my brother is in heaven, and He’s okay too.

I believe my Mum would say that she has faced her worst. But I’ve also watched her choose to keep living a meaningful life. She’s chosen to live, and to heal and to keep loving and walking with Jesus, and because of that her life is a testimony to many others who face struggles.

Today if you are feeling anxious or wondering if it’s all going to be okay, ask yourself the question, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Then put those struggles and any concerns you face in the right perspective; find out what God says in His word about your situation and then begin to speak that truth into your challenge.

Know that your refuge, strength and the peace you need is in Jesus. There is no mountain He can’t help you climb, or hurdle He won’t be there to help you face. Whether it is sickness, lack or any other fear or concern, God says He is enough, and He has a way through. He is our victory and deliverer; our provision and our healer, and in Him we have perfect peace.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:1-3)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:28-29)

Prayer: Lord please help me to face the things I am anxious about and to put them in the right perspective. No matter what I may go through, you promise you will help me to walk in victory. In Jesus Name Amen.