The Possibilities of ‘What If...?’

Last week, I began to think about the negatives and positives of the question, “What if…?” So, I looked up what my newfound friend (or foe) AI says about “What if…?” Here’s what AI says. “What if…?" quotes explore possibilities, regrets, and the power of curiosity. Some focus on the fear of the unknown, while others highlight the potential for adventure and new experiences. Many "what if" quotes delve into the realm of missed opportunities and the impact of choices, both good and bad, on our lives. 

Many years ago, when Europeans began exploring the seas, every map had a 'What If…' warning: ‘Here be dragons.’ This (Latin: hic sunt dracones) meant dangerous or unexplored territories, in imitation of a medieval practice of putting illustrations of dragons, sea monsters, and other mythological creatures on uncharted areas of maps where potential dangers were thought to exist.

In other words, when those early sailors reached uncharted territory, mapmakers added a warning sign. They were saying: "Warning, be careful, this area isn't explored yet. We don't know what's out there, but it must be dragons, and they will eat you as lunch because you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup." 

‘Here be dragons.’ That is quite a statement. Why does it always have to be bad? Why does it always have to be mythical, flying imaginary monsters no one has ever seen before? Can’t it be neutral or even good? Why can’t it be North America, South America, or the other side of the globe? 

It's amazing what fear of the unknown can do to us. I can’t blame those cartographers. Sometimes the open seas can get scary and challenging, even in today’s world. Yet, as Publilius Syrus once said: “No one reaches a high position without daring.” Someone once said, "Don't let the fear of 'what if' paralyze you. Every accomplishment starts with the courage to try."  

Here’s my point, and this is how I live. Someone once said to another, “But, what if I fail?” “But, my Darling, what if you fly?” Why does it always have to be “What if I fail," ("Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, oh My!") instead of "What if I succeed?” Or “What if I get eaten by dragons? But what if I discover a new continent, a new beginning, a new opportunity, or a new life?” 

Think of this. Why not think to yourself, “What if it all works out for the better?” The pilgrims asked, “What if we could have freedom of religion?” God asked, “What if I sent my Son to earth to show the way to eternal life to people by showing Me to the people?” The Founding Fathers of the United States asked, “What if…?” Golfing sensation Scottie Scheffler asked, “What if I can be a great husband, a great person, and a great golfer?” Peter, businessman and owner of five fishing boats, asked, “What if I step out of my boat and business and follow Jesus?” 

Here's a true story about a leader asking, 'What if…?' And it changed the world. 

“Fifty years ago, the Lord used John Wimber, the founder of the Vineyard global movement of churches, to significantly influence the global evangelical church. Vineyard has 2400+ churches in 95 countries. Ron Allen, an associate of John Wimber, wrote about how this church movement was born. He quoted John Wimber, recalling the process of starting a new church movement that would soon redefine many churches and peoples. 

"John Wimber recalls, ‘One of the basic goals I had in mind when this whole thing started, early in the Vineyard movement, was this: What would God do if we gave Him the chance?’

"'What if fear or self-interest didn't restrict us? What if the need for control didn't overwhelm us? What would God do? If our own ministries were not the critical issue, what would it be like?'”

"If ‘church’ wasn't about us, our place, and our ways, but instead was about Jesus and what he wanted to do here on earth, what would He reveal of His heart? 

"What if it did not matter to us what was said about us – good or bad – and the only opinion that mattered was Jesus? What would it be like? What if we loved what and who Jesus loved? What if we let God be God and we be His people? What if self-protection wasn't the issue and we didn't care about looking foolish? What would God do? Don't you want to know? Don't you want to find out?" 

Led by God, John Wimber opened a space for Jesus to build new-style churches that initially lived by the values of John Wimber’s ‘What if...’  What if an entire generation of new and old Christian believers prayerfully asked these questions now?  

Rebekah Crane says, “You can't be overwhelmed by what–ifs, or you'll miss out on the best part.” See! There’s someone else who shares my beliefs. I'd rather have a life of 'oh wells' than a life of fear-based ‘what ifs.’  Remember, success and fulfilled possibilities are scarce because fear is common.  

If this article resonates with you, consider exploring future possibilities by saying, with God's direction and help, “God, What if…?”  

Remember, you and the choices you make are your greatest ‘What if’ of all.