IF.....

Through

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If (only) My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“IF”….. Such a small word with vast implications. The dictionary defines it like this; 1) Introducing a conditional clause; on the condition or supposition (something that is supposed) that (conditions are needed for). 2) Despite the possibility that; no matter whether. 3) On the assumption that.

We are always intellectually supposing something. As well as placing conditions on those assumptions. We are human beings that according to the Bible were “born in sin.” We embody the ability to be “free thinking” organisms, prone to making our own choices, right or wrong. And with this ability comes a wide array of “if’s” according to whichever situation requires our handy process of acceptance or denial.

It never ceases to amaze me the if’s that we all are prone to include in daily situations, especially when it comes to followers. There is always “if I do this…” or “if I say that…”, or “man, if I just…” It’s not that there will never be if situations; as much as there is the question of why we have if situations. Our best intentions to follow spiritual directions are often overshadowed by the conditions we place on those directions and our willingness to comply with them. These conditions are what often leave us depending solely on our choices to do what suffices, because we believe in self accomplishment more than Gods promises of true spiritual accomplishment. No matter, from my experience, “if” situations and my ability to deal with them; more than likely result in negative outcomes. Everytime.

With God however, “if” is a statement for followers to adhere to a specific command because in doing so the repercussions will either benefit us or bring far dire circumstances for being disobedient. God is telling us that He knows most likely our if’s will only lead to sinful behavior, but, at the same time He is saying “there is a way to make things right if only (we) turn from the disobedience of self and return to (Him).” He is telling us that we are called (recognized by and associated with) His name, so this dictates that we should be acting according to His purpose in righteousness.

God is also emphasizing that we should be humble enough to recognize our need for Him is imperative to pursuing and achieving anything substabtial in this life. That there should be no if’s concerning His authority to perform for good cause, exceedingly and abundantly in our life. God’s “If” is a declaration that His promises will be upheld when we meet His conditions. Not ours.

Verily I say to you, in essence, this scripture is to serve as a powerful call for spiritual renewal, while reminding us to seek God’s guidance with sincerity. Which will lead to His intervention and restoration. Let us examine our intentions to see whether we are using if as an excuse to do things from our perspective rather than God’s? Or because our way of doing things seem easier than God’s so we “cut corners”. One thing’s for sure, “IF” we get off track (which we will!), all we have to do is call out for help and God will hear from Heaven, forgive our disobedience, and restore our lives.