"IF "
Written By: Ahava © 2001
Matthew 4:3
The tempter came to him and said if you are the Son of God tell these stones to become bread.
Matthew 4:6
If you are the Son of God, he said, throw yourself down.
Matthew 4:9
If you will bow down (submit to me) and worship me. Jesus said to him, away from me, satan “FOR IT IS WRITTEN”, worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.
An example of these scriptures is when negative thoughts begin to press upon your mind with the word if.
The word if is the beginning of an assault on your mind and emotions. When we meditate on negative thoughts they will develop a pathway from our mind down into our heart and disturb our emotions. That is why the word if must be cast down out of our minds and our emotions at once. “IF” is a destroyer when it comes in a negative sense.
How did Jesus respond to satan's suggestions of if? Jesus only response was IT IS WRITTEN. He responded with God's truth. He exchanges the lie with the truth because the word of God is pure truth.
He gave this example to us so when the word if whispers to our minds we will know to put that word away from us and replace it with the truth of God's word for that specific thought.
When negative thoughts come to your mind saying "if you re-enlist, you will not make enough money to provide for your family." You respond by knowing the scripture for that negative thought. You replace the negative thought with the truth of scripture, “My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 is your IT IS WRITTEN for that negative thought.)
Can you see the importance of knowing God's word for the success of your life? Not all are called to re-enlist but many desire lifetime service but they worry about money.
When you desire a lifetime of serving your country, do not allow the negative thoughts to stop you. Follow what is within your heart. Have faith and courage to follow your dream because the word of God says, “Cast all your concerns upon him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
You only have one life to live. Do not allow the negative if to hold you back from living and serving to your fullest potential.
When your mind asks you if - let your heart answer with scripture.
Which is true? Your doubts and fears or God's words of covenant?
Believe in every word God has spoken in His written word and also in His spoken word within your heart. Continue to move forward on every word God placed within your heart. Remain firm on your path of what God has spoken into your heart and life.
Definition
IF - To assume to be true. Assume means accepting false information.
Second Corinthians 10:3-5:
For though we walk in the flesh (natural), we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing (including thoughts) that exalts itself (raising within our minds and emotions) against the knowledge and will of God for our lives and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
The will of God is never IF. The will of God always IS.
Definition:
IS - to be the proven fact only.
The proven fact of God's plan for you is that before we were born God knew you. (Jeremiah 1:5) You came forth with all the yes of God's plan for your life. Don't be distracted by all that is around you.
Definition:
Distraction - A mental intrusion or cause of confusion. To draw away in another direction. To draw into conflicting directions. To create conflict or confusion.
Do not allow yourself to be confused by asking youself questions like what if I don't make it? What if I get captured? What if I never joined the armed forces? What if my spouse will not wait for me? What if something happens to my children because I am away from them?
Dear Warfighter:
Keep Jesus as your example. Put God's word into your heart by reading it in order to keep your mind at peace.
Do not allow yourself to wander away in negative thoughts and conversation about the negative if that could possibly happen because you are not home.
Fill you mind and mouth with God's word and depend on God to be faithful on your behalf and the well-being of your loved ones.
Keeping your mind focused will keep you centered on your mission. Distraction could cost you your life or the life of your fellow Warfighters.
First Peter chapter 5:8:
Be sober in mind, be vigilant and cautious at all times, for the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to seize upon and devour you. Resist him, standing firm in faith, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Philippians chapter 4:7
The peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Whatever desire you have within your heart, don't be hindered by the if in your mind.
Follow your heart.
God guard your mission,
Sincerely,
Ahava