What If Your Worst “What If” Does Happen?

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, God's love, God's Promises, Living Free, Living Fully, Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, When You Don't Like Your Story 128 Comments

Some people just seem happy and positive all the time. They appear to never worry and fret. These people act like they eat rainbows for breakfast and ride a unicorn to work. But life isn’t all lucky charms. Sometimes it is just plain hard.

We should anticipate trials. Jesus promised trouble. “In this world you will have trouble,” He warned (John 16:33).

So what if the worst thing you can imagine does happen? What then?

What if my child gets sick?

What if my husband does leave?

What if I lose my job?

What if I get on a plane and it crashes?

I decided a long time ago, when I get on a plane, I’m either going to get where I’m headed, or I’m going to heaven. Either one is all right with me. I know that whatever may happen in this life, God is still on His throne, and He’s in control.

Yes, worry is a down payment on a problem you may never have…but sometimes you do have the problem. Sometimes the sinkhole is worse than you ever imagined. But here’s what you can always grab hold of when you feel you’re being sucked down: God will be right smack dab in the middle of your sinkhole even if your worst “what if” does occur.

What is your greatest fear? What worries threaten to hold you hostage? Perhaps you’ve already experienced your greatest fear. Maybe you have lost a child, gone through a divorce, foreclosed on your home. Perhaps you’ve already gone through radiation, filed for bankruptcy, or lost your job.

If you have already experienced your greatest fears, then oddly enough, you have an advantage over those who haven’t. You’ve seen that God does give you the strength to get through your most horrendous seasons imaginable. You’ve come out on the other side and realized that by the grace of God you’ve made it.

None of us would choose to experience the horrific losses or painful situations that are part of living this side of heaven. But some treasures can only be discovered in dark places. One such treasure unearthed by those on the other side of their worst “what ifs” is the knowledge of God’s sustaining power that got them through and held them up. That He gave them the power to move on despite the losses and live bold despite the pain.

The truth is, the worst “what if” that could ever occur already has—what if someone killed the Son of God? What if they forced a crown of piercing thorns on His head, thrashed a flesh-tearing whip embedded with sharp objects across His back, spat in His face, beat Him with fists, nailed His feet and hands to a splintery cross? What if they plunged a sword into His side? What if they murdered Jesus? What if that happened?

Oh, friend, it is with tears in my eyes that I type those words. But there’s more to the story. You know the rest.

Death was not the end of the story. It never is. Three days later God rolled the stone away from the mouth of the cave in which Jesus was buried, and hope walked out in newness of life—resurrected life.

Because of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ; because of the power of the Holy Spirit who now lives within us, we no longer have to buckle under the spirit of fear or go weak-kneed due to worry. We can live boldly knowing that God empowers and equips us to do everything He has called us to do. We can refuse to bury our dreams in shallow graves of fear but live in bold obedience expecting the best.

Lord, no matter what happens in my life, I know that You are faithful, loving, and kind. Help me to trust in Your Sovereignty, knowing that You are in control. Even if the worst “what if” happens in my life, I know that You can use it for good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Can you think of one “what if” in your life that actually happened? Was it as bad as you thought? How did you get through it? Click on comment and complete this sentence. I went through_______ and God got me through.

When You Don't Like Your Story

We’ve all got parts of our stories that we’d like to tear out or mark out of the narrative. I’ve got them. You’ve got them. But what if the worst parts could become the most powerful tools that God uses in the lives of others? I know they can. Check out my book, When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapters Could Become Your Greatest Victories, and let’s learn how together! Includes a Bible Study Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2023 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.

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Comments 128

  1. Just a word from God today. Thank you for reminding me that He’s with me and has been through everything. Because of His Love for me I will never be alone.
    Thank you again

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      1. Write now I’m in maternity ward, 29 weeks pregnant. The doctors are trying to stop preterm labour. Your post came at a write time as I need to manage stress. I am reminded of a man in Mark 9 who said, in response to Jesus’ question “How long has he been sick” and the man answered “since he was a child….if you can, please heal him” and Jesus said “you say it I can, there’s nothing impossible for him who believes” the Bible says the May turned around immediately and said, “I BELIEVE LORD, please help my unbelief”.
        The “what if moment comes as a result of being overwhelmed with troubles to a point where you suffer from unbelief. I love David when He says, “I trust you Lord for what you have promised. He does not only rely on what God has some before but also on what He has promised.

        Thanks a lot Lady Sharon, you’ve reminded me that God is my portion in the midst of it all.

        NamD from South Africa

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    2. I’m so sorry … 🙏🏽
      We lost our son in June; gave up his life at age 20.
      It hurts, but we have HIM carrying us, for sure.

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    3. I went through _____and God got me through. My sons cancer as a little boy and his alcoholism as a young adult. He has been sober for a year and 10 months. Only God got me through!! I sing His praises!

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  3. I went through the death of a grandson and GOD got us through. It was a terrible accident. I blamed myself for a long time. I wished I could have died in his place. I was angry at GOD, but I still prayed and wanted him in my life. My daughter and son in law (I believed was angry with me as well). But GOD gave me a dream about losing his son to such a horrible death, that Noah my grandson was home with the Lord and we will be with him again. It still hurts even after 19 years, but GOD is still here for us.

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      I’m so sorry. I lost a child in miscarriage and God gave me a beautiful picture of her in heaven, playing at the feet of Jesus.

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  5. I’m going through a “what if” right now and hanging on as hard as I can. I don’t know what the end will look like or if I’ll see it before leaving this earth, but I’m hanging on to God’s promises in the meantime.

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    2. I’ve been going through a “what if” for the past 7 years I’m barely hanging on and things are getting worse. I understand it’s hard, keep hanging on to Jesus!
      Isaiah 42:3 KJV
      A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth..
      I understand

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  6. We lost our 42 yr old daughter after only 100 days of being diagnosed with leukemia. Those were the hardest days of our lives, but I knew then and now that God was there with us and gave us the strength to get through. This has strengthened our faith even though we still miss her dearly.

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  7. I went through some of the worst days.. I lost my house to foreclosure, filled bankruptcy and lost my husband to brain cancer. God has gotten me though it all. I am stronger and closer to God because of my many what if’s that really happened.

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  8. Post-college and COVID, some of our adult children are no longer going to church. Though most of them say they believe in Jesus, they live and speak in worldly ways and one child isn’t sure what or if they believes at all. This child has many regrets about the choices they’ve made, is depressed, is also dealing with emotional, mental, and personality issues, but is resisting the help, strength, and relief only God can offer. I know so many other Christian parents who have similar stories. Many, like us, have spent their lives in the gospel ministry as workers in the church. Satan knows that when he attacks our children, he attacks us as well. I know Jesus loves our children more than we do and that their journey of faith is not yet over. Jesus has walked with us through many other very difficult situations and he will walk beside us through this, as well, We will trust in his goodness, grace, and promises for ourselves and our children. We pray that he will open our eyes to see what he would have us do or say, that he will forgive us for our parental failures, and give us peace and wisdom, one day at a time.

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      You’re right. So many parents are experiencing the same thing. I pray for this generation to come back to Christ with conviction.

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  9. I went through the death of my husband (54 yrs old), which lead to foreclosure, which lead me to starting my life over with about $300 at 39 yrs old, and God got me through. It is now 10 years later and I live in a house, my job pays the bills, I have a car that runs good and I have a stronger relationship with God. Thank you God for everything!

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  10. My worst stage of my life was last year having 3 beautiful children all with health problems. God got my family through it all and now all 3 children are doing much better and are healthy🙏🏻

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  11. Much needed prayers for my Pastor Brent he has stage 4 cancer he’s only 56 years old, that “what if the worst ” things happen I believe has happened, the cancer is in his liver bile duct. Need prayers please

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      No matter what happens, it is a comfort to know that God has our days written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He knows every one of them before they existed.

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  12. I went through loss of a son to suicide, death of two husbands, etc. BUT GOD got me through and he is faithful. He will never leave you or forsake you. You can count on Him.

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  13. I went through stage 4 breast cancer at age 48 (my mother having died of this same disease at age 47) and by God’s grace and in His strength survived. The Cancer Clinic had offered me possibly ten years beyond my date of diagnosis. But my Father has granted me more than 27 years of abundant living. I rejoice. I’m thankful. I love to share my story to encourage others. Each of us are uniquely created. Each has their own destiny. Though some may focus on the thousands dying of disease all around them, my God has his own time-line and agenda for each of us. Thus I will trust and not be afraid!

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  15. I went through my 89 year old dad, being hit by truck, because the man driving wasn’t paying attention. The man was looking at his cell phone. My dad was a block away from his home, out walking, when this happened. It has been tragic, but God has been faithfully holding us up.

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  16. I lost my 31 year old son 2 years ago this coming Friday to an overdose. I so vividly remember the knock on the door that Wednesday afternoon. It was horrific pain that engulfed me, but in the midst of the greatest pain also rose the greatest comfort of Our Living God; The God of all comfort. Has it been easy these past 2 years, a BIG FAT NO; however, can I say Gods AMAZING GRACE has been sufficient and sustaining. Many have said to me I cannot even imagine loosing a child, no you can’t, but I tell people when and if you need Gods grace IT WILL BE SUFFICIENT. That verse has become alive to me these past 2 years, and though I do “out of the blue” still (and probably always will) get what I call “tsumani waves”, till I meet my Jesus and my boy again in eternity, it’s a pain I would never wish for a parent to experience, BUT I have seen the loving hand of my Savior over me again and again.
    HOPE IN HIM 💗💗

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      Oh Cindy. I’m so sorry. I pray God will use your story to help other moms who have gone through the same pain. I just hate the devil, don’t you!

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  18. My husband died, 2 yrs ago july, unexpected! We were just getting ready to retire. I had no closure he walked out the door never returned.. I am still walking to the valley

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      Jodi, this is such a fresh wound. Take your time. Grieve as you need to. God is right there, every step of the way. If someone said that to me, I’d probably say, “well, I’d rather have my husband with me every step of the way too.” I understand. I know you will come out on the other side. I pray God will provide lots of friends to walk the path with you.

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  21. I went through Being a mom to a an anointed child who chose the world and all it has to offer instead of God.I never ever imagined have to battle the demon of drugs and alcohol and the reality is I didn’t God broke the curse.On the 1 January 2023 we were involved in a car accident ,no one was injured,God protected us and broke the curse of addiction within a matter of 24 hours my son turned around and re-dedicated his life to God and now we work on building a relationship once broken.There are no words that will adequately express my love for my Jesus and his love for my boy.
    Being a mom is difficult ,but with God I can do all things Phil 4:13.

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  22. I went through the death of my husband & God sustained me & helped me through each aspect. I’m learning to lean on Him more & more for all that I need to do on my own. Praise to Jesus!

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  26. I went through extreme abdominal surgery, had complications, and was hospitalized for a long time. I got through it with the love of family and friends and God’s presence always with me.

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  28. I lost my son in a car accident and my faith in God is the only thing that got me through. I had always prayed over my kids and asked God to never let anything happen to them because I knew that was the only thing I couldn’t survive. Be careful what you tell God you CAN’T do because He may just use that opportunity to test your faith and show you that you can. Be sure how strong your faith is because when “the worst” happens, if you don’t already have it you don’t have time to get it. The enemy roams to and fro throughout the earth looking for someone to devour. Don’t let it be you.

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  31. My “what if” wasn’t even a “what if” until after it happened. November 2022 my precious 14 year old son took his life. I now have a lot of “what if’s” and why’s on repeat in my mind. I know it’s the enemy but he is a defeated foe! I am a child of God, and it’s by His Grace alone that I am able to get through the most horrendous season of my life.

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      Traci, I am so sorry. Suicide is so rampant among our youth. I pray God will comfort you as those what ifs arise. Your story was almost my story and I know it was spiritual darkness at its worst. You can move forward. He will see to it.

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  32. The loss of my husband (too young) to cancer and three weeks later the loss of my mother. It was horrible to say the least; however, God put friends and even business people in my path to get me through. It certainly didn’t alleviate the grief, but it lightened my load substantially.

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  34. I went through social security listing me as deceased and GOD got me through.
    I went through appendix cancer and GOD got me through

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  35. My worst what it was when my Dad dies if a massive heart attack in my home and the whole family had to participate in trying to keep him alive until the rescue squad showed up. Yes, God did get me thru this painful heart wrenching experience over time. Today, my husband has an incurable, inoperative stage 4 peritoneal carcinamatosis & colon cancer. He is fighting for his life ( my gut tells me he is losing this battle) and I am trying to support him. I feel at times, I’m losing hope. I get back in the word and let His promises permeate my soul and then I kind of freeze. I’m scared and weak. He lifts me up but I feel doubt. I do t like that and I. And I can’t break from it. Help me with any word of advice you have. Thank you.

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      Lord, I pray for Carol today. I pray that You will strengthen her in her weakness, comfort her in her fear. Let her know that Jesus is interceding for her even now. Thank you that this earth is not all there is for any of us, but that we are just passing through. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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  36. My daughter had pre eclampsia and had her son at 27 weeks. He was 1# 5 ounces. God is a miracle worker and brought that little boy through with no surgeries and now is a healthy 12 year old! 6 months after his birth my daughter at age 33 had a debilitating issue; double vision, memory loss, lost cognitive function and loss of her job. All the out comes of a stroke, but not diagnosed for 11. months after seeing multiple doctors and specialists was finally decided she had had 6 strokes! I thank Jesus that he kept me calm and at peace throughout it all. Now 13 years later my daughter is fully functioning, vital working a full time job, multitasking wonderful mother, wife and daughter! Only by the grace of God.

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  37. I have went through miscarriage, infertility, postpartum depression, rape, and an almost failed marriage, and God got me through.

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    1. Kristin, I am so sorry for everything you’ve endured. But I praise the Lord that He got you through all that, and that you realize He is your strength and comfort.

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  38. I went through bankruptcy / foreclosure and God got me through. During that experience, I would say, “I’ve got my husband, my son, my dog and a roof over our heads (even thought it wasn’t my beloved home that we lost). I have all I need.” Granted, it wasn’t the easiest time, but we survived. We also survived my husband’s cancer diagnosis. Extremely scary time for us, but we made it. We had a lot of people praying for us. We kept our faith and made it through. People should never say, “It can’t happen to me.” No one knows God’s plans for our lives. Your life can change in the blink of an eye…job loss, health crisis, etc. One just never knows.

    I am so thankful to have God in my life!!!!

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  39. The worst thing that I ever thought could happen is that my parents would die. I thought I would never recover. But God is so faithful. After many years of pain, God just sent the Comforter and I was able to get through it. Even now when I miss them, I can rejoice that they are with Jesus in heaven. What I thought would destroy me just made me stronger because God is faithful.

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  40. My worst what if happened on December 7, 2022 when my baby boy passed away…I’m still living in this nightmare and don’t see how I will ever make it through to the other side…

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  41. I’ve been through cancer, suicidal depression, and my family not speaking to me. God got me through all that. Now … I’m going through something even more painful. My husband is having an affair. He’s told me this, and told me he isn’t quitting the affair. It’s with a woman I thought was a friend of mine, so double the betrayal. He was the one God chose for me. He was my soulmate. I knew this when I met him 37 years ago. I don’t believe we were meant to get a divorce. God sent many signs He is here and cares last week. This week, I don’t see them. But I’m trusting in Him.

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  42. I had breast cancer, but God got me through!! My testimony is awesome!
    Throughout I did not worry ( there were enough people doing that). My job was to trust.
    Thirteen years later, the faithfulness of God never ceases to amaze me!!
    Thank-you for allowing God to use you to minister to others!!❤️🙏

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  43. I went through a divorce, the loss of both my parents and the murder of my son in a convenience store robbery BUT GOD got me through all of these and I’ve come out richer on the other side! Great is the love of he Lord and those He sends along side to hold us up in the storm!

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  44. I went through my parents constant fighting, then losing my Mom to cancer at age 14. Infertility, my husband being laid off from 2 jobs he loved, his depression while he went through that. Given my own cancer diagnosis and now being cancer free now. Losing one sister way too soon and becoming a caregiver for my other sister. Losing my father-in-law to cancer and recently my own Dad to complications from dementia. Our Heavenly Father has always gotten me through my darkest moments and I have grown through each one. He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL!

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  46. So very true and so very well written! God has been bringing me through the most painful time of my life. In that, I discovered who He really is and who I really am in Him. I would never have wanted to go through this experience, but I’m so glad I did because my relationship with Him has been made stronger and He is helping our family reconcile one day at a time. He is in the ministry of reconciliation and He does see, He does hear, and He does bring beauty from the ashes. I am so very thankful that He knows our sorrows and He binds up the broken hearted. God is the Source of all good. He is worthy to be praised!

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  47. The “what If” began for us October 2021
    When my husbands health began to change from health to not healthy, cancer diagnosis in 2022. Our finances decreased immensely, and other things.
    But looking back, God got us through this. I am still standing with his help, can we in remission. God is a help in every problem we have.

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  48. Thank you for this confirming, comforting message. God’s got my husband’s health issues and he will walk with us and hold us up even in this unknown part of our lives.

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  49. Thank you SO much for this! My word for this year is “Trust.” I have some big things coming down the pike this year, selling our house of twenty years, finding a new house, moving, then retirement. Needless to say, I am overly anxious. You have reminded me that I have been through many “what ifs” in the past (divorce after 20-1/2 years of marriage, loss of a job, loss of both parents, and, just recently, a stroke) that God has brought me through victoriously and stronger. Your sharing of this devotion has helped reiterate to me that I can’t help but trust my God. Thank you again!

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  50. This last year God has brought me through, a mother with dementia who I was her care giver put in a home, sold her property, a sudden death of a brother-in-law, a death of a mother-in-law, a move to a new city and province (I live in Canada) and marriage issues. It’s been a hard 31/2 years but God gas been my constant and I couldn’t have done it without Him and people like you Sharon and others that God has put in my path. My journey isn’t over yet and I am not sure what 2023 will bring but I am learning to put my TRUST in God not man, to Let go and Let God, Let go and trust God, let go, Have faith in God and let go, believe God and his word and to pray in the name of Jesus. Thanks!

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  51. I went through the sudden death of my husband 14 years ago and then I remarried after be single 7 years and a little over a year ago we lost his youngest son suddenly also and things haven’t been the same I feel like he shuts me out sometimes and I know he has been talking to another women thru text messages and I don’t know what to do.

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  52. Please pray for my marriage and , that I could pop out of my depression and guidance for work I just turned 60 and feel like just dying have for many years life has always been hard for me …God saved me yrs ago from a pit I was in, but I feel like He doesn’t really care about me . I pray He could change me., But I really feel like He doesn’t want to.

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  54. I’m currently experiencing job loss with severance or unemployment. I’m completely and totally dependent on God’s provision. In my flesh, I am terrified but somehow I have to hold on and believe He will bring me through the other side.

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  55. I went through a cancer diagnosis in December 2016, almost homelessness, and I’m still dealing with complications from cancer and chemotherapy. I’m always in pain(neck to toes), and was diagnosed with two other health conditions, and now we have to find a place to live in two months without a job. But God!! I need a miracle before 2/22!!

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  56. I went through 3 major depressions (hospitalized) that were the worst that ever happened to me. Would not wish that on my worse enemy. Got fired from 2 jobs. Went through bankruptcy. Husband of 32 years asked for a divorce (and got one) and I’m thankful for it all as it got me to where I am today. Happily married to a wonderful guy, retired, healthy, active in church, etc. Favorite Bible Verse is Ephesians 3 20 that God can do more for you than you could ever imagine. I could never have imagined my life as good as it is now. Grateful everyday for a Loving God who is always there, even when you can’t see him through your tears.

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  57. I’ve been through 5 of the 6 what if’s mentioned (miscarriage x2; divorce; other health scares; bankruptcy; loss of job) & can say without a doubt – God helped me through them all! Not to say it wasn’t overwhelming or feeling hopeless at times but those were the times when I turned to God most (I’m sure there was a lesson there about my faithfulness to Him). God is good! And will use even the not so good things for good! And all along – right by our sides.

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  58. I went through the death of my son at the hands of a drunk driver, the sudden death of my husband and then the death of a daughter to cancer. God said “Be still and know that I am God.” It was hard but I trusted God to bring me through all of these terrible losses into his Light. I survived and despite the pain, am actually thriving. Greater is He that is in me…” So grateful for His Mercy and Grace.

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  60. We lost our 20 year old son; he chose to end his life in our home, June 2022.
    Yes, God has carried us, He is faithful, His Word has come to fruition before our eyes. We are thankful for His love and comfort.
    It’s so very painful.

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      I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I pray God will continue to comfort you. If you read through the comments, you’ll find another mom who has the same story.

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  61. I went through the murder and suicide of my father and young siblings, bankruptcy, foreclosure, divorce, job loss and God brought me through all of it!!!

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  62. God brought me thru cancer treatment and surgery. 16 years cancer free. I’m still here by the grace of God. All praise and glory to Him!

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  64. . I went through my husband’s leave and exactly a year after that through breast cancer and God got me through. It’s been 11 and 10 years respectively. And here I am. In the first situation everything seemed so bleak that I thought I could never make it. Still praying him back home. Blessings to you all.

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  65. I went through_______
    2 brain surgeries with a 4 month old and 5 year old at the age of 27
    Thyroid storm
    Anaphylactic shock
    PTSD due to all these near death scares and God got me through.

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  66. I got cancer in 2018 and God walked with me through all my treatments in 2019. He has blessed me with more time with my loved ones. He got me through it. Amen

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  67. I went through a torturous sickness and God was with me the whole time and got me through. I had many “what if’s” but I had hope and comfort in realizing that God is still on the throne and he’s in control.

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