If: Trusting God Beyond Our Doubts and Fears

Nov 02, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of “If” in Our Walk with God

The word “if” appears over a thousand times in Scripture, often as a crossroads between faith and doubt, action and hesitation; it is a small word with enormous impact, shaping destinies and determining whether we step into God’s promises or remain stuck in uncertainty. When we allow “if” to become an excuse—“if I had more time,” “if I felt better,” “if I was accepted”—we limit what God can do through us. But when we surrender our “ifs” to God, trusting that He is able, our limitations become opportunities for His power to be revealed. God is not hindered by our doubts or circumstances; He is looking for hearts willing to move beyond “if” and step out in faith, knowing that nothing is impossible with Him. [01:13:34]

Romans 3:3-4 (KJV)
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Reflection: What is one “if” that has been holding you back from obeying God’s call in your life? Will you surrender it to Him today and trust Him to be bigger than your doubts?

Day 2: Faith That Pushes Through—The Woman with the Issue of Blood

Faith is not always instant or easy; sometimes it requires pushing through crowds, obstacles, and our own fears. The woman with the issue of blood had every reason to give up—years of suffering, failed treatments, and dwindling hope—but she chose to believe that “if I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” Her determination to reach Jesus, despite her weakness and the press of the crowd, became the turning point for her healing. When we act on even a mustard seed of faith, God meets us with His power, and our testimony can spark faith in others. [01:24:03]

Mark 5:25-34 (KJV)
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Reflection: Where do you need to push past fear or discouragement and reach out to Jesus in faith today, believing He can meet your need?

Day 3: Your Faith Impacts Others—Revival Flows from One Act of Belief

One person’s act of faith can ignite hope and healing in a whole community. After the woman was healed by touching Jesus’ garment, others began to seek the same miracle, laying the sick in the streets so that “as many as touched him were made whole.” Our obedience and testimony are never just for us; they ripple outward, inspiring others to believe for themselves. When we step out in faith, we become catalysts for revival, showing those around us that Jesus is still able to heal, save, and deliver. [01:39:34]

Mark 6:56 (KJV)
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Reflection: Who in your life might be encouraged to seek Jesus because of your faith or testimony? How can you share your story or invite them to experience God’s touch?

Day 4: If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?

When we face trials, opposition, or even our own inadequacies, the promise of God’s presence changes everything: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” No enemy, circumstance, or failure can stand against the power and favor of God on your life. Even when the enemy tries to sow doubt or fear, we can stand firm, knowing that God’s love and purpose for us are unshakeable. Our victory is not in our own strength, but in the certainty that God is on our side, working all things for our good. [01:42:40]

Romans 8:31 (KJV)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Reflection: What challenge or opposition are you facing right now? How does knowing that God is for you change the way you approach it today?

Day 5: Jesus Takes Your Case—Rise Up and Walk

When we feel stuck, helpless, or overlooked, Jesus sees us and invites us to rise above our circumstances. The man at the pool of Bethesda waited 38 years, always thinking, “If someone would help me, I could be healed.” But when Jesus stepped into his story, the excuses and limitations fell away. Jesus simply said, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” When we let Jesus take our case, we discover that His authority and compassion are greater than any obstacle. He calls us to move forward in faith, trusting that He will supply what we need. [01:46:55]

John 5:6-9 (KJV)
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Reflection: Where have you been waiting for someone or something else to change your situation? Will you let Jesus take your case and respond to His call to “rise up” today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered in the presence of God, reminded that He is the very air we breathe and our daily bread. We celebrated the faithfulness of God in our community, from anniversaries to upcoming gatherings, but above all, we focused on the power of a single, small word: “if.” This word, though only two letters, carries immense weight in our lives and in Scripture. It can be a stumbling block or a doorway to faith, depending on how we respond to it.

The heart of the message centered on the reality that “if” is often used as an excuse or a limitation—“I would serve God if I had more time,” “I would step out if I felt more accepted,” or “I would believe if I saw a miracle.” Yet, God calls us to move beyond the “if” of doubt and into the “if” of faith. The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 was a powerful illustration: she pushed through the crowd, declaring, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” Her “if” was not a barrier, but a bridge to her miracle.

We are challenged to examine the “ifs” in our own lives. Are they holding us back, or are they invitations to trust God more deeply? The truth is, when God is in the equation, “if” becomes a statement of possibility, not limitation. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” The testimonies shared—of preaching through sickness, of God’s provision in times of lack, of healing and salvation—remind us that God is not hindered by our “ifs.” He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think.

We are called to lay down the “ifs” that keep us from obedience and to embrace the “if” that says, “If God has called me, He will equip me.” Our actions, our faith, and even our struggles have a ripple effect, impacting others in ways we may never see. As we closed, we were invited to bring our “ifs” to God, trusting Him to turn them into testimonies of His faithfulness and power.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power and Danger of “If”: The word “if” appears over 1,400 times in Scripture, often as a crossroads between faith and doubt. It can be a subtle excuse that keeps us from obedience, or it can be the spark that ignites a step of faith. The challenge is to recognize when “if” is holding us back and to surrender it to God, allowing Him to transform our hesitation into holy possibility. [72:09]
2. Faith Requires Action Beyond Excuses: The woman with the issue of blood did not let her “if” become an excuse. She pressed through obstacles, both physical and social, to reach Jesus. Her story teaches us that faith is not passive; it requires us to move, to risk, and to believe that God will meet us as we step out. Our miracles often wait on the other side of our willingness to act in faith. [84:03]
3. God’s Faithfulness Transcends Our Limitations: Personal stories of preaching through sickness, stepping out with little provision, and seeing God sustain and heal remind us that God is not limited by our circumstances. When we say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” we declare that His power is greater than any obstacle or lack we face. Our limitations become opportunities for God’s glory. [92:20]
4. Our Choices Impact Others: The faith of one woman sparked a movement—soon, many sought to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and were healed. Our decisions to trust God, to step out in faith, and to obey His leading have a ripple effect, influencing those around us and even generations to come. What we do with our “if” matters not just for us, but for the world God wants to reach through us. [100:09]
5. Surrendering “If” Leads to Peace and Purpose: When we bring our “ifs” to God—our doubts, fears, and hesitations—He meets us with grace and power. Whether facing sickness, uncertainty, or even death, the peace of God sustains us. The invitation is to lay down every “if” at His feet, trusting that He will turn our uncertainty into assurance and our weakness into strength. [110:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[57:10] - Opening Prayer and Announcements
[57:50] - Upcoming Bible Study and Prayer Schedule
[58:27] - Ladies of the River Gathering
[59:06] - Anniversary Celebration and Fellowship
[59:46] - Disciples Christian Motorcycle Club Rally
[61:02] - Community Outreach and Evangelism
[61:38] - Wellspring of Renewal Revival Details
[63:29] - Introduction of Bishop Robert Anderson
[64:07] - Testimony of God’s Presence
[66:51] - The Word “If” in Scripture and Life
[70:49] - Romans 3:3 and the Power of Belief
[72:09] - The Weight of “If” in Our Walk
[80:46] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[89:43] - When Jesus Becomes Our “If”
[92:20] - God’s Power Over Our Limitations
[100:09] - The Ripple Effect of Faith
[110:51] - Invitation to Surrender Our “Ifs”
[112:53] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power and Danger of “If”

Bible Reading

Mark 5:25-34 (ESV)
> And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Romans 8:31 (ESV)
> What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Observation Questions

In Mark 5, what did the woman with the issue of blood believe would happen “if” she touched Jesus’ clothes? What was the result? ([01:24:03])
According to Romans 8:31, what does Paul say about God being “for us”? How does this relate to the idea of “if”? ([01:32:20])
The sermon mentioned that the word “if” appears over 1,400 times in the Bible. What are some ways “if” is used in Scripture and in our own speech? ([01:12:09])
What happened after the woman was healed—did her faith have any effect on others? ([01:40:09])

Interpretation Questions

The woman’s “if” was not an excuse, but a step of faith. What does this teach about the difference between an “if” that holds us back and an “if” that moves us forward? ([01:24:03])
The sermon gave examples of people using “if” as a reason not to serve or obey God (“I would serve God if I had more time,” etc.). Why do you think “if” can so easily become an excuse in our spiritual lives? ([01:13:34])
When Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” what kind of confidence is he inviting believers to have? How does this challenge our usual fears or hesitations? ([01:32:20])
The sermon described how the woman’s faith led others to seek Jesus for healing. What does this suggest about the ripple effect of our choices and faith? ([01:40:09])

Application Questions

Think about a time when you used “if” as an excuse not to do something you sensed God wanted you to do (for example, “I would help if I had more money/time/energy”). What was the real barrier? How could you respond differently next time? ([01:13:34])
The woman with the issue of blood had to push through a crowd and her own fears to reach Jesus. Is there a “crowd” or obstacle in your life right now that you need to push through in faith? What would it look like to take that step? ([01:24:03])
The sermon shared stories of God providing and sustaining even when resources were low or circumstances were hard. Is there an area in your life where you feel limited? How might God want to show His faithfulness in that area? ([01:14:50])
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”—Is there a situation where you need to remind yourself of this truth? How could believing this change your attitude or actions this week? ([01:32:20])
The faith of one woman led to many others seeking Jesus. Who in your life might be impacted if you step out in faith or obedience? Is there a specific person or group you feel called to influence? ([01:40:09])
The sermon ended with an invitation to bring our “ifs” to God and surrender them. What is one “if” you need to lay down before God today? How can the group pray for you in this? ([01:50:51])
When you look back at your life, are there any “it might have been” moments—times you wish you had trusted God more? What would it look like to move forward without regret, trusting God with your next step? ([01:09:31])

Close in prayer, inviting God to help each person move from the “if” of doubt to the “if” of faith, and to turn every hesitation into a testimony of His faithfulness.

Sermon Clips

“We live in a country that's going downhill as far as Christianity. As far as Christians, we're going downhill. We're not worried about the government. They've been going downhill forever. Probably just a few days after they started. But we are concerned about the people of God and what we do and what God does with us and what he wants us to do.”

“For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these it might have been. And I'm gonna tell you what, you probably don't get moved very much by that, but I do because it is sad when it might have been that the person I'm standing preaching the funeral to was in a car wreck, never been to church.”

“And this morning, I want to somehow touch your heart that you'll leave here knowing that there's a good God that wants to help us. The title of my message is if. If two little word, two little letters, I if. That's a good title. If.”

“The word if is found 1,420 times in the King James Bible. And that made me think it was important. 1,420 times it's used. We use it all the time. It's been being used for decades now. I don't know that in every language that they was preaching to the people with that they said it just like we do, we say it in English.”

“I would work for God if I had time. I don't want to tell you what. I'll work for God and make time for it. If they call and ask me to go preach, I'll go preach. If he tells me to go down to someone's house and pray for them, I'll go down there. But you know what? There are times that I've been stupid and thought, "God, I just need to put that off a little while. I'm doing this."”

“God sustained me. I could never have made it. He sustained me because he has time and you have time to serve him. It's important. I would teach in the church if I could talk better. I would ex be ex if I was accepted better. If I was accepted better, I'd come and do more work in the church. But, you know, I just come down here to church work and nobody even notices me.”

“I've preached with a headache. I've preached with a headache. In fact, I I think it was What's that disease? I mean, that's happening when you can't talk and nobody can hear you. Larenitis. I preached five nights with laryngitis. And my wife, it was a big if with her. It was with me, too.”

“This whole message is simply this. We need to get with God and find out what God wants us to do because there nothing impossible with God, not anything. It's this technical stuff is kind of scary in a church, isn't it?”

“With God on our side, if means nothing. We can It It means this. Let me tell you what it really means for to me. If it means that I can I can It means I can. I stood in front of a big old Indian guy about 300 pounds and he was going to come into church and do stuff he wasn't supposed to do.”

“If I can just touch the hem of his garment, I want to tell you that every person sitting in this building, I don't care which one you are, saved or lost, if you will decide that God is who he says he is and that Jesus did what he said he done and that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God and also in the throne room of grace and also in the hearts of us by his spirit, you can do anything that God wants you to and you can have the same kind of power of ill that that lady had.”

“It may not come out the way you think it ought to. Hers come out pretty good. Some of my things that God has done for me has been kind of a rough slide to get there. But I tell you what, I never have got to where I was eating slop because of what God did. It's always good in the end.”

“Because God does the impossible. Yes. Amen. And I didn't get to see him do it. I wasn't even there. And I had almost messed it up. And it sounded to me like, "I wish you'd scream at me some more." I'm serious. I wish you would scream at me. God, don't let me miss it. Amen. Don't let me miss it. I want to do what you want.”

“What you do, it's going to affect somebody. Every move you make, it's going to affect somebody. Everything that you say and do, it's going to affect other people. We think, "Oh, it's just for me." It's not just for me. Come on, Lord. If it was just for me, I just want to go on and be with you. It's for all of us that he touches us.”

“That book that lays up there that I've written these down here so I could read it better is a powerful book. It will stand the test of time. It will do what nothing else will do for you if you'll read that book. Listen to it. Do what it says. And when the spirit of the Lord begins to get on you, begins to talk in tongues, will do it the way that God has you do it.”

“If Jesus takes your case, you're in good hands. you it might all state they don't they don't come even close if your case is taken by Jesus you're in good hands and Jesus took the case and he said rise up take up thy bed and walk you don't need to mess with going to no pool or nothing because if you are being led by the master you can do anything so just get up and walk because I'm going to heal you and you're going to be sleeved of all that things that Satan has had with you.”

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