The Worst-Case Scenario
By Carlos Santiago

I could see the writing on the wall. The way everything was going, I was likely to be unemployed by Monday. The thought gripped me with fear. What would we do? How long could we survive?

To shield my family from financial disaster, I liquidated some assets to bulk up our savings account. Nothing I did was particularly reckless, but in my haste, I made one crucial blunder: I didn’t discuss any of it with my wife.

The fear of losing my job was soon eclipsed by the fear of how my wife would react when she found out what I did. We were supposed to be a team, but I acted like mine was the only opinion that mattered. I hoped she would see my moves as financial brilliance, but deep inside, I knew I was in trouble.

When I told her, she was shocked. She kept repeating, “I can’t believe you did that.” All I could say in my defense was, “I’m sorry. I got scared.”

Then she asked me a question that has haunted me since, “What more does God have to do before you learn to trust Him?”

Ouch.

She was right. God has always taken care of us. Yet when faced with a struggle, my first response is rarely to trust Him. Instead, I let my fears take over and start planning for the “worst-case scenario.” As if my solutions could somehow be better than God’s.

The truth is, He doesn’t need to do anything else. He’s already done it all. If I lost my job, my house, my health—even if I died tomorrow—my future is secured. I don’t need to fear. I don’t need to spend my time worrying about a future that may, or may not, happen. What I need to do is trust Him.

That Sunday, I was glued to my phone looking for news that would confirm my fears, but God had other plans. By Monday morning, the crisis was over. But hopefully, the lesson will stick with me a little longer.

Listen to what Proverbs 12 has to say about trusting God and worry.

The Good Stuff: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Action Points: What are you most worried about? What would it take for you to “fear not” and trust that whatever happens, God’s got you?

Visit the FamilyLife® Website