What if….?

This story is not one you’re likely to hear on the evening news. But it is a story of an old man on a mission to tell anyone that will listen… His story is posted to encourage readers to never take a moment for granted; neither should marriage vows be so easily broken. Life is fragile, but God’s love and grace are eternal.

It had been five years since Mr. Miser received the devastating news. He remembered that day like yesterday…August 8, 2004—his wife insisted that he keep the doctor appointment she made for him.

He hated going to the doctor, like most men. But he’s constantly reminded of how thankful he was that he heeded his wife’s ultimatum, “You’re going to the doctor, Bill Miser, or else…”

Funny! He never found out what the or else ultimatum was. But he concluded it was death and eternal damnation because he had not accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

They’d gotten married right out of high school. It was love at first sight. Margie had been a “church girl” all her life.

Margie was the wife he’d always dreamed of finding. Sure they’d had their ups and down; even said some hurtful words, and did some shameful things; nevertheless, they kept their vow for better or for worse; in sickness and in health, until death do us part. After 50 years they were still together. A day didn't pass without giving God thanks.

Margie had always been there through the many tests, hospital and doctor visits, pain, chemo, radiation, sleepless nights, and certainly doubts and fears of leaving her and their children too soon (whenever that is). He recalls the many nights that he heard Margie praying for his healing and strength to endure the pain.

Her prayers lulled him to sleep at night, and often early in the dawning hours it was Margie’s prayers that he woke up to. In spite of the pain there was always an aroma of hope that permeated their home.

Mr. Miser has been in remission now for five years. At each office visit the doctors are stunned at his miraculous recovery. However, he was quick to remind them that God’s grace and mercy was keeping him alive. And of course, Margie’s prayers that are now a bowl of incense before the Throne.

Margie went home to be with the Lord the same week the doctor’s gave the prognosis as hopeful; cancer was in remission.

At every opportunity Mr. Miser shares his story he begins and ends with a question, “What if… What if I hadn’t met Margie?”

He answers immediately, “Well, I could guess, or imagine what it would have been like. Anyway, I’m thankful I don’t have to guess. I met Margie; God sent her to me, and she changed my life by her unwavering faith. I’m alive today because Margie didn’t give up on me.  I didn’t give up on her, and we didn’t give up on God! But, my friends, what if God had given up on us?”

We may see things from a different perspective if we would ask the questions, “What if….”

What if God gives up on us?

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).

For Goodness Sakes

Classie finally gave up any hope of reconciliation with Guyton after numerous attempts failed. Although Guyton insisted that he’d changed, Classy soon realized it must have been wishful thinking on her part as well as his. He was still a liar. He lied about everything including his desire to remarry her.

So why would she do something so stupid that she’d regret for years to come unless God grants a miracle?

Of course, this was hindsight; she had signed the paperwork before realizing he was lying...again! She had been used again! Nothing had changed!

No doubt many of you are living with regrets because of the goodness of your heart. You chose to believe that someone had really changed until you found out after the damage was done that they really hadn't changed at all.

Reality.

Each time Guyton lied about making car payments anger pierced Classie's heart, not to mention her credit score plummeted into abyss. Was Classie just naive, or plain stupid to believe that Guyton could change? Her goodness was taken for granted and he hijacked her emotions again.
Although Classie's situation may be different from yours, this is a common scenario in many relationships— wanting to believe that the other can change without having a new heart—a spiritual transformation. Sadly, some individuals really desire to change and even try, but don't understand that it’s a "heart" matter that only the power of God can handle (Read Jeremiah 17:9).

No doubt, there are lots of women living with regrets like Classie because they listened to their emotions rather than the unction of the Holy Spirit. So for goodness sakes bad decisions are made, and thereafter a life of regrets.

Now the question is, will Classie take matters into her own hands, or let go and let God handle it? Is God willing to handle it? The Spirit of Truth nudged her with restlessness before making the final decision to purchase the car in her name and she didn’t listen. Is God now obligated to help her out of this situation?

Well, obligated…no, but because He is good, and kind, gracious, and slow to anger; His mercy endures forever. And when His children call on His name in repentance, He is obligated to answer. I John 1:7 say, "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Why would this be considered sin? Because she had unction in her spirit; she had no peace about it after praying, yet she made the decision.

Therefore, she must face the consequences of her decision. Sure we suffer the consequences of the decisions we make, yet God will come to our rescue if we repent, ask Him to forgive us and don’t let anger and bitterness consume us. That’s the hardest part, but with God all things are possible if we believe. Throughout history, we see the mercy, grace and faithfulness of God toward His chosen people. They disobeyed Him repeatedly, but when they cried out to Him, He heard their cry and delivered them (Check out the book of Judges). Does this mean we should continue to make unwise decisions and ignore the unction of the Holy Spirit? God forbid! We are to learn from our mistakes and move forward. We are to obey God rather than please man.

Trying to please and accommodate man will enslave us, and we’re not free to live a life pleasing God. We’re constantly look to be accepted by man (another subject for another time).
As apostle Paul instructed the Galatians, "In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off] -Galatians 5:1.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So, for goodness sake listen and obey the voice of the Lord.