How To Ask New What-If Questions and Become Fearless
How would you like to become fearless? If you’re like me, with all the awful what-if possibilities in the world … living without fear of the future can feel impossible.
I often think about the disciples and the times Scripture tells us they struggled with fear.
John honestly shared one of those times in the following account from chapter 6…
That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for Him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough.
John 6:16–18
Imagine…
They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified.
John 6:19
No kidding!
But then Jesus said…
“Don’t be afraid. I am here!”
John 6:20
There will always be times when life rocks our boat and it can be terrifying to feel like we have no control over an uncertain future. But friends, those are the moments Jesus walks in and says, “Here I am. Don’t be afraid. I’m with you.”
And when Jesus tells us we can become fearless, He’s not just speaking platitudes. He’s speaking the truth because He is the One who calms storms and us.
So, what if we faced our fears by anticipating Jesus’ words? What if our faith was so confident that whenever we felt afraid we immediately expected Jesus to calm us with His loving presence?
I used to live with a long list of terrifying “what-ifs.” The thought that I could become fearless seemed impossible.
But lately, I’ve been asking some new questions. Ones that help me focus on Jesus, not on terrifying possibilities.
I’m learning to ask, what if it’s true that…
- Jesus will never leave me. (John 14:16)
- Nothing can separate me from His love. (Romans 8:39)
- Jesus will help me carry my burdens. (Matthew 11:28)
- Jesus will give me what I need when I SEEK Him above all else. (Matthew 6:33)
- Jesus is coming soon? (Revelation 22:12–13)
What if it’s true that the answer to those questions is a resounding, YES?!
When you and I can confidently answer those questions, we may feel fear for a moment but in the long run, we will become fearless.
As I read and study God’s Word and remember all the times the Lord has calmed storms in my past, I am learning that Jesus’ promises are not what-ifs—they are absolutes. I can trust Him with my today and all my tomorrows.
No matter what rocks our boats, Jesus keeps His promises. He is with us. We can give our fear to Him and trust Him to help us become fearless.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Trust the Lord’s What-If Promises
and Become Fearless
Father, forgive me. When waves rock my world, I can be quick to dwell on disturbing what-if questions fearfully anticipating the future. I’m sorry. After all the times You’ve rescued and helped me in the past and all the countless times I’ve read Your promises, I still let the world’s problems upset me. Please forgive me.
Jesus showed that You are greater than anything this world throws our way. I can’t imagine what the disciples felt as they watched the worsening waves around them. And then, to see someone walking on those waves not realizing it was Jesus. It had to feel so frightening and overwhelming.
But then Jesus…
Brought peace to the moment. He calmed the sea and His disciples and removed their fear with a word and His presence.
Please help me remember that Jesus is with me always and that nothing can separate me from Your love. He is willing to help me carry my burdens and give me what I need when I SEEK You and Your Kingdom above everything else.
No storm is too great for You to calm and I believe that with Your help I can live without fear and face the future with the hope of Your eternal promises. I praise and thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
David wrote…
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
Psalm 27:1
so why should I be afraid?
And…
But when I am afraid,
Psalm 56:3–4
I will put my trust in You.
I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
John Newton wrote…
“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.”
By God’s grace and the Spirit’s help, may we ask what-if questions that remind us of God’s promises and become fearless in His presence.
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Hallelujah and Amen. As your neighbor to the north, I ask for the Spirits help in reminding me of God’s absolute promises and to show me God’s absolute truths… That give my life meaning and purpose. Although they might be hidden in todays chaos, they will prevail. They always have and they always will. Because of Jesus. Thank God He’s the Ultimate Judge❤️
Amen, JoAnne. What a beautiful word of encouragement. We can trust the One who has always been and will always be faithful and loving. God be with you and bless you!
Such reassuring reminders that we never have to live in fear! Like you, I can attest to the fact that God has been with me every step and calmed my fears every time! He is my rock, my firm foundation!
In fact, just lately fear has been keeping me company and though I read all your wonderful posts, I have missed my comments back to you and to Sue! And love reading all the other posts too! Praying blessings for everyone and wishing a Happy Valentine’s Day full of God’s love to all!
Kathy, I am so glad to see your post. I have had you on my mind, daily and have had you in my prayers. I was so concerned about you. I hope that your fears are subsiding now.
God is so good and as Deb says, He is always with us. We can’t ask for a better companion.
I have missed you my friend and I do hope that you have a beautiful weekend and a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
Love hugs to you! Sue
Kathy, it’s so wonderful to hear from you! I’m sorry you’ve been struggling with fear. I’m lifting you up in prayer, dear friend. I hope you enjoyed a lovely Valentine’s day and weekend. God be with you and bless you!
Wonderful reminder to not ask the what-ifs, but trust in Jesus’ love, grace and presence when we are afraid. He is always with us. Blessings, Deb!
Thanks, Martha! Blessings and hugs, dear friend!
I have cried out to God in fear many times and especially when I wake up in the night with a panic attack. Thankfully, I cry out to the ONE who does calm me down so I can rest and go back to a peaceful sleep. I know that the Lord is with me and like the Psalms says, I will hide in the shadow of HIS wings until the disaster has passed.
Thank you for this wonderful post and the verses. I pray that you have a wonderful and safe weekend and a good Valentine’s Day. Hugs!!
It is a blessing to be able to cry out to Jesus in our moments of terror and panic. He does hold us and calm us with the “peace that passes understanding. We are so blessed. Hugs to you, dear friend!