Welcome to my blog! I’m so happy you stopped by today. If you’ve ever wondered what’s the worst that could happen, then I hope you’ll find this excerpt from my book enlightening.
My youngest son is a “Curious George.” He loves to ask, “Why?” As bothersome as that can be at times, I’m thankful that he has an inquisitive mind. You can almost see the wheels of knowledge turning in his head as he hangs on every word that gives light to his questions. One day while driving in the car, Parker asked, “Mom, what’s the worst thing that can happen?” I knew exactly where this question originated. The night before our family had cuddled together in the hallway of our home with flashlights, blankets, and the cell phone, waiting for a furious storm to pass. Parker had many questions that night . “What if the tornado hits our house? What if the roof falls in and chops off my leg? What if we’re all killed by the tornado, even the dog?” he cried. I thought we had been successful in calming his fears. Evidently, I was wrong. Parker still needed to know the worst possible case scenario.
You may have a similar question—and with good reason. Disaster is all around us. It appears we are living in a new era, a time filled with darkness, mystery, and fear. Terrorists seeking nuclear bombs, global warming, widespread epidemics, rising crime rates, social instability, the list is long. It seems we really do have cause to fear. Or do we? Jesus told us that we can wars, famine, and uncertain times—and then the end will come. If that’s the case, then what is the worst thing that could happen to us? Is it a failing economy? Is it global warming? Or is it the end of time?
The troubles in our world today are not new. They may come upon us in a new way, but they are still the same temptations, trails, and troubles that have always confronted society since the Garden of Eden. Every day the newspaper, radio, Internet, and television give evidence to the fact that our world is evil.
While awful things may happen to us as a result of living in this fallen world, our hope lies in God’s everlasting and unchanging love. His love promises to sustain us, restore us, and make us new. It doesn’t matter what we face in this life when we know that God, in His timing, will change the outcome either in this world or the next. That’s a promise! My hope is that one day I will be reunited with those I love who have gone on before me. Likewise, the disabled person will one day be made whole by the love of God. The lame will walk and the blind will see. The deaf will hear and the mute will speak, all by the power of love. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
While tragedy and sorrow may touch our lives by way of sickness, a fallen economy, devastating wars, or the fury of nature in the form of a tsunami or tornado, the worst thing that can happen to a person is never to know the love of God. I came to this realization when I thought about the question Parker asked me, “What is the worst thing that can happen?”
Parker agreed, “Oh, yeah! If you don’t know God’s love you can’t be forgiven of your sins and go to heaven.
Nothing is worse than that!”
Parker was right on target. Those without the love of God not only suffer in this world but in the world to come. They will not be comforted or made whole. Instead, they will live separated from God forever. Can you imagine what it’s like to be totally separated from God? The Bible calls it hell. This world in which we live is filled with much wickedness, immorality, and violence. Just think how much worse it would be without the presence of God caring for His own and holding back evil? Because of God’s Spirit in the world, even those who do evil benefit from His mercy. Imagine what it would be like to live without that mercy forever.
…Friend, nothing we face on this earth is as tragic as not knowing the love of God. Once you and I are secure in His love, the Bible says nothing can separate us from Him. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35;39). Holding our burdens and concerns before the backdrop of the cross, where God displayed His greatest love for you and me, allows us to know this: If you have Jesus, you have everything you need. Living without Him is the worst possible scenario for any man or woman.
Okay sister’s. Help me encourage those who may be struggling with this truth. If you’ve found the love of Christ to be more than enough for you, leave a hearty “A-Men” in the comment section. If you want to leave more than an “a-men,” we’d love to hear your testimony!
Peace!
Amen! Micca, thank you for your devotional today, from experience, it is true. Since God is Light, when we are not moving toward Him, we are blind & in darkness. That is scary! But when we are moving toward Him, we can see Him, and as you said, have peace for. He is the Rock that we can cling to in the storm.
I gave my life to Him in 1989. But 10 yrs later, found myself in anxiety, for I had taken my eyes off of Jesus, and put them on me & people & my performance. I felt like your son when he thought the boat would never return. I felt like I couldn't get back to God when I was in fear because I knew how frustrated he was with faithless Israel & they could not enter the promised land.
It was when I realized that it was He who had to (and was willing to) rescue me, that I found peace again.
Your encouragement is so right on! Thanks!
Kathy
Amen! Out of the mouths of babes. Even what a little child has said has helped encourage me today. I have a lot of things going on in my life right now that cause me to feel like God has left me but I know that is not true. Thanks for sharing. I found your blog through a Crosswalk devotional.
The worst thing that can happen is any one of my four son's turning away from Jesus. That is what I see happening with my second son, yesterday I took a bunch of scriptures into his room when I was alone in the house and prayed and cried for him to come back to the Lord. I am burdened for him. I do rejoice in the Lord always as He commands we do, but I've been such a cry baby over watching my son making bad choices.
Thank you for your devotional! I need encouragement daily!
Deborah
Amen! Micca, I just want to thank you for this bit of encouragement today. Being laid off, and getting in to the trap of worrying and the poor little ole' me, I some times need to be reminded that God Is In control and I have nothing to worry about. He see's the Big picture and has it all worked out for me.
I have lived on the outside of the boat in the past, and I wouldn't trade my worst day now and go back in time for nothing. I was such a lonely creature with nothing to look forward to. Praise God I am now a New creature and have a New name written down in glory. I look forward every day to his returning and it's not quick enough for me. Just to look Him in the face, the one who saved me by His grace. It gets me excited! I sing alot of songs in my head through out the day. Here on earth I sing in a Gospel trio, but one day in Heaven I will sing in the Heavenly Angel choir. 🙂
God Bless you sister, and you keep doing what your doing.
Today is the day that the Lord has made, and I will be glad and Rejoice in it!
Sherrie 🙂
I remember reading this chapter in your book as we're about to finish with Lelia's online study.
I thought Parker's words were priceless…"If you don’t know God’s love you can’t be forgiven of your sins and go to heaven."
That's the truth and that is the worse thing…not knowing His love and forgiveness and being separated from Him forever. Ugg! The worst!!
Sweet Blessings,
Paula
AMEN!!!! Thank you for reminding me that his love is all we need.
Oh, Micca,
You've struck a chord in my heart this morning.
When our daughter died of SIDS in 1992, I was devastated. However, after a long battle with grief and a steady climb out of a pit of depression, I regained a life that was as whole as life can be after losing a child.
Then in 2002, we found out that our youngest son had a malignant brain tumor. One of a mom's worst nightmares had happened all over again. For the next 6 1/2 years, we lived with the fear of losing Nick as he underwent chemo, radiation, and surgery after surgery for more and more tumors. Sadly, Nick passed away in November at the age of 13.
Devastated again. In the pit again. Committed to God and seeing His wondrous provision everyday, I cling to Him knowing that He will do for me again what He did for me before.
Don't know what I'd do without my hope in Him.
I do want to say to "Deborah" that I am praying for you son. I agree that the worst thing to happen is seeing our child not near Christ. I will be praying.
Love you,
tammy nischan
Hi Micca. I love your blog. I am so amazed how gifted some people are at saying just the right things at just the right time. It is a gift that I'm so glad you share.
I am having a very difficult time because my husband is living in darkness, but at the same time he says he has a good relationship with the Lord. Is that possible? He has moved out of our home and is having an affair. I worry about him. He justifies everything and I don't think he realizes how alone in the water he actually is. I know that God is the only one that can save him so I pray for this daily.
I am working with a christian counselor and she has been so instrumental in teaching me how to trust in the Lord. I loved Parker's comments. When in doubt, ask a child. There is such a purity about them and they haven't learned how to complicate matters.
I make sure that my daughter's and I continue to work on our personal relationships with the Lord and know His love. I ask everyone to pray for my family and especially my husband that he finds his way.
God Bless.
Wow! What struggles; what faith you girls have! I'm so blessed by each of you. Know that I've said a prayer for each of you!
…that your lives will be marked by peace not fear; that the Lord our Provider will provide jobs,that He will turn the hearts of our children toward Him, for healing of our hurts, and to use us all for His glory!
Also, Denver Gal–keep going to counseling. Keep seeking God. Cast your cares and hurts on Him. Pray for your husbands sins to be revealed and for his heart and soul to be restored.
And sweet Deborah. I know your pain. Our children are our most valued treasures on earth. Keep mentoring him in the Word and keep praying for him. It's God's will that your son be totally his. God is working so pray for a heart willing to recieve.
10,000 blessings!
AMEN SISTER!!!
I can`t express enough how much I cherish these Devotions every single day…………Thank you for them
Finny
Amen!
I want to thank you for your devo titled "God's Lifeboat." I read it on Crosswalk.com. It really hit home.
Blessings in Christ-
Shonda
Amen Sister Love! I know in my core that God is in control and wants the best for me in my life. Yet I continue to see the triumphs and good things that occur to those around me who do not follow God while myself and my fellow Christians are battling great disappointments. Some events more trying than others and for me it is the continuous roadblocks, feeling like nothing is going right even though I strive to be relentless in my pursuit of Christ and His will for me. And I've found in those obstacles that God is closer than ever, guiding me towards Him and weeding out the desires of my heart that are not purely from Him. I remind myself of Paul's journeys and attempts to go into Asia but God kept redirecting his path ultimately leading him to find Luke and take the message of Christ into Europe. The goal and effort my be noble but that doesn't mean it is God's will. His Will is so much greater than what we could ever hope for. So, in spite of the disappointments and struggles my flesh may grow weak but my spirit is growing stronger and what a beautiful gift that is!
Hi, I live in Finland and read your blog often. Todays´ encouragement was straight from God to me. I needed this reminder just today. God is good.