Worries and What Ifs

by Suzie Eller | | 1 comment

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When the sale of our home fell through shortly before closing, we were suddenly thrust into a lot of hard decisions. We had already signed a lease on a new place. We had packed our home, deep-cleaned, and were ready to go. The sale was the result of weeks of time, work, and our financial resources and now we were back to square one.

The reason behind the buyer’s change of mind was understandable and we had compassion for that person. Yet that didn’t take away the pressure and stress of trying to figure out our next step.

Have you ever been there?

You think you’ve done everything right. You know exactly what you are going to do next and where you are heading, and suddenly everything changes. That kind of uncertainty can lead to overwhelming worry.

Lord, did I hear you correctly?

Did I do something wrong?

What am I supposed to do next?

In Luke 12, we find tension running high among the disciples. It’s a time of uncertainty. A time where it makes sense to be worried over the what ifs. They often don’t know where they will stay or rest their tired bodies, or where the next meal will come from. They are under pressure from outside and unfriendly influences.

They have real concerns, yet Jesus asks them to place their thoughts in a different direction.

But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you (Luke 12:31 NKJV).

He wasn’t dismissing their valid concerns but asking them to reach for their faith first.

Seeking God first is an invitation to pursue, look for, and reach for our Heavenly Father before leaping into worry. By doing so, worry has no other choice but to climb down the ladder of importance.

Luke 12:31 became a light to my family as we made our way through that unsure time. It didn’t mean that we didn’t have to make our way through hard or messy situations or hard choices, but it did mean that we found wisdom, encouragement, peace, and direction along the way.

Are you in a season of worry? Worry will ask you to despair. To get angry. To give up. To flail. Yet just as Jesus reminded the disciples that seeking Him first is the best and most helpful move with worry, it’s also a reminder to us. Worry and what ifs desire to trip you up, but seeking Him first leads into the certainty of your faith and what it offers you regardless of the situation.

Let’s Pray

Jesus, I am worried, and it feels overwhelming. I have been wringing my hands and wondering what I am supposed to do. My thoughts are spiraling all over the place. Thank You that You are aware of my concerns. Thank You that You offer direction, peace, and wisdom that is helpful, and hope filled. Right now, this very moment, I will put everything else aside – every thought and plan – and seek You first.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Seeking Him first is not just adding faith into the mix of worry and choices. It’s making it priority.

You seek Him before making that decision.

You seek Him before making that plan.

You seek Him before speaking out or reacting.

Take a few moments and do just that. Ask for His wisdom. Listen for the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of you. Let Him lead you in your next step.

More from the Girlfriends

Imagine that Jesus walks up to you, right now, and asks you to follow Him. Today that same invitation echoes to you and me.

Suzanne’s book, Come With Me Devotional, is a year-long exploration of the book of Luke that can inspire you five days a week. Walk with Jesus, listen for His words, and step into those harder places of faith, but not alone.

It’s also a great gift for that college student heading to college for the first time.

Listen to and be encouraged by 5 audio devotionals read by Suzanne Eller from the Come With Me Devotional: A Yearlong Adventure in Following Jesus.

© 2021 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.