Just One Little "If" - How One Word Can Change Everything

You know those moments when something small just grabs you by the heart? Well, that happened to me one Sunday morning while I was prepping for worship. A verse from Mark 9 on my Bible app did just that—pulled me into a deep dive of revelation. It’s about a desperate dad with a son in serious trouble, and their game-changing encounter with Jesus that totally redefined the little word 'if' in our faith lives.

Here’s the backstory: The dad who had a son that was overcome by evil spirits was at his wit's end. After the disciples said they couldn’t help, he turns to Jesus with a mix of hope and desperation, "Have mercy on us and help us, if you can."

And Jesus? He makes a powerful comeback, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN, 'IF I CAN'?" He adds, "Anything is possible if a person believes." Just like that, he flips 'if' from doubt to a resounding affirmation of possibility.

The dad's response? Pure, raw honesty:

"I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

How often do we find ourselves rocking those same worn-out shoes of doubt? We toss up our worry-wrapped prayers with a side of 'ifs and buts', secretly wondering if God is going to pull through.

But, when we read this scripture, Jesus couldn’t be clearer: believing is not just powerful; it’s transformative. It’s not about God’s ability to act—He’s all over that. It’s about whether we jump on board with full trust or just dip our toes in the water of faith.

JUST IMAGINE

What happens if we just drop those 'ifs'? Yes, it might feel like stepping out onto a tightrope over Niagara Falls—uncertain about what’s waiting on the other side. But, as Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 (MSG), "Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out." If we keep our focus on Jesus, envision the peace that defies all logic (Philippians 4:7), the joy that greets us every morning (Psalm 30:5), and the path of freedom that is revealed when we embrace this truth (2 Corinthians 3:16-19). That’s the reality waiting for us when we decide to trust God without the shadows of doubt surrounding us.

This type of determination is what creates a life filled with unwavering confidence in God’s promises, where each step is guided not by sight but by faith. This paradigm shift is sometimes scary, I know.....but this story of the father and his son isn't just a lesson; it's a call to action. It teaches us that our belief doesn’t need to be perfect or untouched by questions—it just needs to aim towards who our God really is.

Let this revelation fuel your daily walk. Let it shift your perspective from what's seen to the unseen, from temporary setbacks to eternal promises. Because when we do, we not only navigate life with greater assurance but we also unlock the fullness of living in God’s endless grace and possibilities!

DOUBTING THOMAS

Have you ever wished you could just see a clear sign, something undeniable to show you’re on the right track—especially on those really tough days? That’s pretty much where Thomas found himself in the story from John 20:24-29. After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to the disciples, but Thomas was nowhere in sight. When the disciples told him, he was like, "I'll believe it when I see it."

When Jesus showed up again, He didn’t scold Thomas; instead, He met him right where he was, offering His wounds as proof. And when Thomas touched them and finally believed, Jesus said something that hits home for all of us: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

WHY THIS MATTERS TO US

Jesus is giving a shout-out to anyone who believes without seeing—His words remind us that faith isn’t about getting all the proof we want. It’s about holding on to belief even when we can't see all the evidence in front of us.

This kind of faith—the kind that believes without seeing—is blessed because it’s pure trust. It’s trusting in what God says, in His plans for us, even when our current view is a little foggy. It’s the quiet voice that whispers on the Holy Spirit speaking to our heart, “Keep going, you’re on the right path,” even when our brain screams for a billboard of directions.

So, as we juggle carpool duties, work deadlines, and have a million little worries trying to creep in the crevices of our heart and mind, let's challenge ourselves to believe more like that. Let's actively work to see beyond our doubts and lean into faith with the kind of trust that feels like letting go of the bike handles for the first time—thrilling, scary, but oh so freeing.

Remember, it’s okay to have moments of doubt—Thomas did, and he was literally one of Jesus' closest friends, just as this Father did as well. What matters is that we keep coming back to trust, keep asking for the faith to believe a little more each day. After all, the real blessing isn’t just in seeing but in believing without seeing, and that’s something we can all aspire to, no matter where we are in our faith journey.

PLANTING SEEDS OF BELIEF

Where do we go from here?

We adopt a gardener's mindset and start getting our hands dirty. Just like a seasoned gardener knows that you need to clear out the weeds and prepare the soil before planting, we need to tackle the weeds of doubt that have wrapped themselves around our thought life.

While I might not have a green thumb—actually, it’s pretty much the opposite (let's take a moment of silence for all the plants I have killed in my lifetime...ha!ha!)—I understand the basics: to grow a vibrant garden, you must remove the weeds and loosen the soil first. It's crucial because the roots of those weeds, if left behind, will strangle any new seeds we plant. Similarly, doubt in our mental garden can choke out new growth before it even has a chance to grow.

Removing these doubts is essential. It’s not just a good idea; it's a must if we want to nurture new seeds of belief and see real growth in our faith.

As you plant each seed of belief intentionally, choose ones aligned with God’s promises. Water these daily with Scripture that speaks right to your heart, and let your prayer life cultivate growth, creating a space where trusting in God can flourish.

This garden you’re tending? It's more than just dirt and seeds; it's a living showcase of God's power. Every spring, I get to enjoy the beautiful tulips by our mailbox, a vibrant gift left by the previous owners. Just like those tulips faithfully bloom, bursting with color, you can expect your faith garden to flourish when you plant seeds of belief. Pull out those stubborn weeds of doubt and nurture your faith. Believe me, if we fully trust in what God can do, there’s no telling how much our lives can blossom.

THE BELIEVE IT CHALLENGE

As I wrap up this blog, join me for a fun challenge? Let's call it the 'Believe It Challenge.' Over the next week, every time you catch an 'if' creeping into your thoughts, flip it into a bold 'can' or an even bolder 'will.' Think of it as flipping the switch in a once-dim room—suddenly, everything lights up, revealing opportunities and possibilities you never noticed before.

And remember, on those days when 'ifs' start to pile up and your faith feels shaky, that’s your cue to dive deeper into your faith walk. Open your Bible, because as Romans 10:17 reminds us, our faith strengthens as we hear (absorbs) the Word of God. Or, spend some quality time in prayer, tune into your go-to Christian podcast, or belt out worship songs at the top of your lungs in your car. Embrace those questions and uncertainties; God doesn’t just accept them—He cherishes them, because each one is a step closer to Him.

Here’s to believing—and living—a life filled with the conviction that if we truly believe God can do anything, just like He said, then anything is truly possible.

Until next time,

Tracee Padilla

Get your 90 Days of God's Promises Journal here.