If Only. What If.

Time travel has been a favorite subject for many books and movies. The movie from 1985, Back to the Future came to mind. In the movie, the main character, Marty McFly travels back into time in a DeLorean with the eccentric scientist Doc Brown. If you remember, Marty inadvertently threatens his very existence. He goes into the mode of, “if it is to be, it’s up to me,” to reconcile his mistake so he can return to the future.

What if time travel were possible? I believe it is. We can travel into the past or to the future. In our trip, there is no DeLorean, no Doc Brown. Our mode of transportation is in our minds, thoughts and imaginations. Our fuel and companion are in the thought of “if only” and the question of “what if.” Maybe you do what I’ve done too many times. I go back and think about those times where an opportunity was missed or a hurt was experienced, failures looms large and I hear “if only.” In this journey, there is no fixing or changing or improving. It only leaves me with longing for what is no longer, regret for missed opportunities, anger and grief over a wrong done, and unforgiveness for myself and others. Guilt and condemnation leave me with shame. A trip into the future is similar. I travel into the land of the unknown. Scenarios begin to play out in my mind as I ponder “what if.” As the scene closes and the journey ends, there is an overwhelming sense of fear, helplessness, and the desire to control my life.

As I was struggling with a “what if” journey, I heard God speak one word to me. “Impotent.” An immediate understanding landed in my mind. Even if I believed God was in the future, He was impotent – powerless. When diving into the past with “if only” I see God as absent. He reminded me He is Omnipotent (all powerful), Omnipresent (everywhere present), and Omniscient (all knowing).

He also brought to me this beautiful truth. Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory! Colossians 3:3-4 TPT. One with Him, safe and secure. I will never face anything outside of me that is greater than the One inside of me!

Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Matthew 6:34 TPT. He is the I AM who has given me everything I need for life and godliness – Christ!

When it comes to the past. My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, and dispenses his life into mine! Galatians 2:20 TPT. Christ AS life!

If you like me have journeyed into the future by asking “what if” or into the past with “if only,” know this, Christ is your past, present and future. You are safe in Him, let your heart be encouraged and rest in Him who is your very life! - Pat Everett