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Navigating Life by Taking Guilt and Chance Out of the Equation
Life is complicated…even without adding the remorse of guilt or the risk of chance. These can paralyze our lives and leave us floundering in despair or fear. In considering these issues, it appears there are two "What If’s" that give us the most problems.

1. What if…I hadn’t failed or done those stupid things that messed up my life…or what if that awful thing hadn’t happened to me?

2. What if…I decide to __________ (You fill in the blank), then what will happen to me? In other words, I’m afraid to do something because I’m not sure what the outcome will be.

Now, I’ll introduce a third "What If" into the equation. What if…you invited God to get involved in your life with you? Now let’s see what this would mean and the difference it would make:

1. "What If"…You Asked God to Deliver You From the Haunting Guilt of Your Past?

John Greenleaf Whittier, American writer of the 19th century, said it like this, "For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest of these is it might have been!" Wow…what a "haunt-trip!" But look what happens when God steps into a frustrated life. He separates your sins from you (Ps. 103:12) and He restores you to the future you once had (Jer. 29:11-14). Not only that, but God can rescue you from what others have done to you (Luke 1:71-75)!

2. "What If"… You Asked God to Calm Your Fears About a Perplexing Future?

Worry seems to be a human pastime. We worry about poverty when we have money; we worry about hunger when we have food; and we worry about illnesses when we’re healthy. But look what happens when God steps into a worried life. You’ll sense His gentle and loving presence whispering to you, "Be still, and know that I am God"—Ps. 46:10. Then you’ll learn the secret of being independent of external circumstances…it’s having confidence in God (Philip. 4:11-13).

3. "What If"…You Let God Inspire You With Possibilities You Never Thought Of?

Now this is exciting! When you place your past, present and future in God’s gracious hands, here’s what He can do. His favor and timing can open doors that you could never open on your own (Rev. 3:7-8). He can cause you to influence powerful people to help the powerless (Esth. 7). He can reveal a purpose for your life that had never entered your mind (1 Cor. 2: 9-10). And God can turn failures into successes and use you as a witness of His greatness (1 Tim. 1:15-16).

So, navigating life just became a lot easier when you bring God into the equation. With Him working in your life, all things really are possible…because nothing is too difficult for Him! (Mark 9:23; Jer. 32:27)

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