Worse Case Scenario

September 6, 2016
 
                                                   Worst Case Scenario
I’ve always been a worst-case scenario kind of guy.  I like to ask the question .. “What’s the worst thing that could happen? “ Once you stare that down you can move forward.
 
I remember once standing at the top of a black diamond ski slope with my daughter contemplating whether to try it or look for an easier way down.  I asked myself the question – “What’s the worst that could happen?”  My thought process was well you might break a leg.  But then I thought, well I’ve got insurance I been paying for and haven’t used for years.    I could probable still preach from a wheelchair.  So why not?  It should be fun!   Fortunately, the snow was soft.  I ended up with only a few bruises, and we eventually made it down.  It’s become one of our favorite skiing stories.
 
As a Christian we have a tremendous advantage.  We know everything is going to turn out ok. Christ is still on the throne, Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible and we are still loved by God Almighty.  Nothing this world throws at us can ultimately defeat us.  What’s the worst the can happen?
 
One believer who had this attitude was John Chrysostom.  He was the archbishop of Constantinople from AD 398 to 404.  He gained a following by his eloquent criticisms of the wealthy and powerful.  Twice banished by the authorities, he once asked: “What can I fear?  Will it be death?  But you know that Christ is my life, and that I shall gain by death.  Will it be exile?  But the earth and all its fullness is the Lord’s.  Will it be the loss of wealth?  But we have brought nothing into the world, and can carry nothing out.  Thus all the terrors of the world are contemptible in my eyes; and I smile at all its good things.  Poverty I do not fear; riches I do not sigh for.  Death I do not shrink from.”
 
Yes, I’m concerned about the state of our world.  Yes, this upcoming election is troubling for a number of reasons.  Yes, it looks like things may get worse before they get better.  But I’m not in a panic.  God is still God.
 
So whatever the world throws at you this week, face it with unshakable confidence.  Go for it!  What’s the worst that could happen?
 
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry