We all play the “What if” game. That can be a dangerous/depressing/fun game to play. More likely than most times, we play the “What if” game when something has gone wrong, and that is not a good thing for your mind. (Trust me. I went through that this summer with our family’s experience the beginning of June.)
In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Paul played the “What if” game:
“But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
Nichole Nordeman, a Christian singer, sings a song titled “What if” (video). The words she sings goes along perfectly with my thinking for this scripture.
Really…what if the whole Jesus thing, He’s the Messiah, He’s coming back, love, hope, and peace thing is all a lie? What if it’s just something for us to hang on to so that we will live a better life while we are on earth? What if this life here is it?
But…in verse 20 Paul scribes, “But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead.”!!! Hmmm, hellooo…remember that in 2 Timothy 3:16 it says, “All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live.” God told/inspired Paul to write these words. It is His breath scribed on the pages of His word. “His” word!
When I read Psalm107:1-2 this morning it says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!”
Well, my friends, I am giving thanks to Him and speaking out. He is good, faithful, loving, and has saved me. There are no “what ifs” here. I believe and want to share the hope and love that God has to offer with you too.
Blessings and God’s abundant love to y’all.
Lyrics to “What if” by Nichole Nordeman:
What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?
What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?
But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?
What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That’s all you find?
What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?
You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you’re wrong?
September 11 |