Encouragement for Today

July 18, 2026 Facing the What-Ifs With Courage GLYNNIS WHITWER

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

Once a year, I sit in the same waiting room. The medical professionals valiantly attempt to make it lighthearted and cheerful. But it’s hard to do when every woman there knows life could change based on the results of her testing.

Despite the smile on my face as I check in, questions swirl.

What if they see something worrisome?
What if they call me back for more tests?
What if this year it’s not normal?

The what-ifs loom large.

Fear isn’t always logical. If it were, I could spout statistics or listen to assurances from well-meaning friends, and that would bring me peace and comfort as I wait for answers. But deep in my heart, I know there’s no promise life will be free from trouble. In fact, I’m usually either getting out of trouble, currently in trouble, or about to meet trouble around the next corner.

Thankfully, Jesus patiently waits for me to relinquish my feeble, ineffective attempts at finding peace. As I give up my grasping at control, He steps into the space between my heart and the lies, and He wedges His Truth in there.

I’ve tried to find my own path to peace, yet it’s His peace I’ve needed all the time.

Jesus made a promise in today’s key verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). This is the same peace the Bible describes as “surpass[ing] all understanding” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).

I’ve learned that peace and courage manifested in my own strength will not withstand testing. My peace is determined by my ability to control the situation. With my peace, there's always that little voice saying, But what if … ?

Jesus’ peace, however, silences that doubting voice. That voice knows the response it will get: I’ll be her peace, Jesus replies for me.

I’m now better armed to face the what-ifs of life. Instead of focusing on what I don’t know, I focus on what I do know. Above all, I know Jesus’ peace will be with me. The storms may come, the waters will rise, but peace is a promise from the One who has never lied.

I still have worries and concerns that pop up; it would be false to imply otherwise. Yet they don’t dominate me. When I feel them starting to crowd their way in, I stop and pray: Jesus, I need Your peace. Mine’s not working again.

Dear Lord, even You said there would be trouble in this world (John 16:33). You see the trouble I’m facing, and You see how fear threatens to overwhelm me. Even in the midst of my storm, I know You have the power to bring me peace. I ask right now for Your peace to flood my heart. Only with Your peace can I face the future with confidence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV).

Ephesians 6:14-15, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (NIV).

How is the world's peace different from the peace Jesus offers?

In the face of unknowns, what are some things you know for sure about God? Share with us in the comments!

© 2026 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.