What If...?

"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

Such a logical verse, isn't it?  Christian, Paul seems to say, do you truly believe that God gave his only Son for you?  Because if you do, then surely you realize that this God spares no expense in lavishing you with His love.  Surely you know that your circumstances, your blessings, your trials, your family, your work all come from the hand of a gracious and loving God.

Today on a long drive I wondered, what if I really believed this?  Really believed it deep down?  How would I respond to circumstances I perceived as unfair?  Would I need to worry about my future?  Would I fall into pessimistic depression when overwhelmed?

What if my unfair circumstances were really part of the "all things" given to me by the One whose love for me never falters--and Who is much more than fair to me?  What if my future were completely secure because it is commanded by He who spared not his own Son for me?  What if there were no need to be overwhelmed because my gracious Father had everything completely under control and surely knows my every need?

Oh, but these "what ifs" are true!  I am loved more than I can imagine.  Would that I might know it in my heart and logically connect the dots in my mind...A God who loves me enough to give me His own Son would not then give me unfair circumstances and a bleak future.  He would, instead, give me "all things."  And His "things"--even when different from my wished "things"--are unwavering in their goodness.

How I pray for "strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge."