I’m a certified “what-iffer.” What-iffers say things like …

“What if our kids make noise in church?” So they don’t go to church.

“What if I drive my new car and it gets dinged?” So they don’t drive their cars. 

“What if I don’t meet the deadline?” So they stress out, too paralyzed to get started, and then stress out more because they’re behind.

Let me share two healthy responses.

“So what!” What if your new car gets nicked by a piece of gravel thrown from a truck? So what! Almost all cars have little nicks. If it’s too bothersome, you can repair it.

“What if God?” Your what-if thoughts will speculate toward the worst-case scenario. God specializes in worst-case scenarios, and he is on your side! If he gave you his own Son, won’t he also give you other things you need? 

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

So learn to reply to your what-if thoughts by saying, “What if God … is on my side … answers my prayers … has a better plan … is strategically putting some pieces together for something even more amazing … is never confused … provides a way out?”

Anxious thoughts can come, uninvited, and that’s not wrong or bad. They’re real, but they are not in charge. God is.