I used my pinky fingers to drive home from a two-day conference because the temperature of the sunbaked steering wheel was blistering hot. The conference theme was based on a treatment model for those with neurological and/or autism spectrum disorders.
While trying not to melt, I mentally reviewed the information I had learned at the conference and then reflected on how many treatments I had pursued for my son’s neurological challenges.
Reflection has a way of never letting me forget my son’s diagnosis day . . . and this time was no different. Diagnosis day feels like your life has just been hurled to another planet.
In the name of survival, we initially try tons of treatment options wishing to return to earth, fix the mess, remove the pain, and carry on. In essence, we try to find an answer, a sort of “four-step fix-it plan,” because adjusting and accepting this new reality can be quite hard in the heat of battle.
Battles are always painful, and enormous battles are enormously painful. And, most of us live in the heat of what I call invisible battles that can make us feel crazy because we often fight ourselves—and the internal conflict is desperately painful.
Disorders, diseases, grief, loss, death of a loved one, mental and emotional pain, spiritual injury, or agony are all universal, lonely battles. Without question, most of us think, “What if?” and “If only,” believing the pain would resolve and make sense, bringing rest . . . if our choices or circumstances had been different.
Maybe you can relate.
Second-Guessing
“What if . . .
. . . I had known this 10 years ago?”
. . . we had tried something different?”
. . . the doctor had run more tests?”
. . . I had stronger faith?”
“If only . . .
. . . I had more money.”
. . . I had watched the pool more closely.”
. . . the driver hadn’t been drunk.”
. . . cancer was curable.”
. . . my faith was stronger.”
Our longing for resolution in this broken world is exposed when our “what ifs” or “if onlys” invade our minds. It has taken years for me to understand much of this because it is so easy to get stuck on illusions rather than battle my acceptance of reality. When God is in the mix (and He always is whether or not we like it), things can really heat up.
By the way, God can handle combat. In fact, I’ve grown very close to the Lord in moments of great conflict. So can you.
Here are some thoughts for who may be stuck in a place of pain that doesn’t make sense. Instead of pondering the circumstances, ponder how you would answer the “what ifs . . .” or “if onlys . . .” with these truths . . .
Think about It This Way
“What if . . .
. . . I believe what has happened is part of living in a shattered, sinful world?”
. . . I believe God is good and is refining my character, even though it doesn’t make sense today?”
. . . I believe God will use this in my life for a greater purpose which I may not see now?”
. . . I believe God has promised eternity with Him if I choose to place my life in His hands?”
. . . I believe that in an eternity spent with God, the battles will cease and I will be whole?”
Let Me Hear from You
These truths have changed the way I live through life’s battles. I promise these truths will change you. Here are a few questions for you:
- What are your “what ifs” or “if onlys”?
- What do you want, and are you willing to let it go?
- What would happen if you really believed what God teaches us about this world and the world to come?
Pick one question, and leave your answer here. You can leave a comment by clicking here.