Flipping the Script: What If the Best Could Happen?

By Thad DeBuhr with ‘Your Jesus Journey’

Have you ever found yourself caught in that familiar mental tug-of-war? You know the one – that moment when a new idea sparks, a different path beckons, or a fresh connection awaits, and suddenly, your brain throws up a barrage of “what ifs”… and they’re rarely good. What if I stumble? What if it’s too daunting? What if they simply don’t like me? It’s as if our minds are wired to default to the negative, constructing walls of worry before we even take that initial step.

Does this happen to people in Boundary County or just off in the big cities? Well, what if we dared to try a different approach? What if we flipped that internal script and began asking a different kind of question? It’s a question that resonated deeply with me some time ago, and it has truly reshaped how I connect with and support others: “What’s the best that could happen?”

For over two decades now, as a pastor, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside countless individuals navigating the beautiful, and sometimes challenging, tapestry of life. One consistent thread I’ve observed is how easily we can become ensnared in “worst-case scenario” thinking. Folks can become so fixated on potential pitfalls that it can feel like a paralyzing grip. I’ve witnessed this mindset hold people back from embracing new adventures, from nurturing meaningful friendships, and from seizing incredible opportunities that life presents.

But perhaps most poignantly, I’ve seen how this constant focus on the negative can actually cloud our ability to truly trust and follow God, who calls us to a life brimming with faith and hope. I vividly recall a conversation my wife and I had with some dear friends who were wrestling with a significant decision. In the midst of their anxieties, my wife offered a simple yet profoundly powerful question: “What if you started asking yourselves, ‘What’s the best that could happen?'” In all my years of ministry leading up to that moment, I hadn’t heard that exact sentiment articulated in such a direct way. But let me tell you, it was a revelation. It was like a light switch flicked on, not just for our friends in that moment of uncertainty, but for me as well.

It was such an uncomplicated yet effective way to gently guide people toward a more hopeful
and positive outlook.

Now, this might sound like mere positive thinking, and while there’s certainly value in cultivating a positive attitude, I’ve come to realize that this “best-case scenario” mindset deeply echoes the teachings of Jesus. When you truly delve into the heart of the Bible’s message, while it doesn’t shy away from the realities of hardship and struggle, the overarching theme is one of unwavering hope and trust in God’s inherent goodness. Just consider how Jesus himself often encouraged a similar optimistic perspective.

Think back to Jesus’ powerful words in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapter 6, verses 25 through 30. He gently urges us not to be consumed by worries about tomorrow, about what we’ll eat or what we’ll wear.

Let me share that passage with you from the New Living Translation:
Matthew 6:25-30 (NLT): “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the
fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.”

Asking ourselves “What’s the best that can happen?” when we stand at the threshold of a new situation aligns beautifully with this kind of faith – it’s about believing in God’s potential for good outcomes and placing our trust in His provision, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

Consider how often Jesus reassured his followers with the simple yet profound words, “Do not be afraid.” We see this comforting phrase woven throughout the Gospels.

For instance, Jesus says in the 28th verse of Matthew 10:
Matthew 10:28 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God who can destroy both the soul and the body in hell.”

And in John 14, verse 27, he offers this incredible gift:
John 14:27 (NLT): “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Fear is so often the root of those negative “what if” scenarios that plague us. We’re afraid of failure, of rejection, of stepping into the unknown. But by consciously choosing to focus on the best possible outcome, we actively stand against that fear. We choose to step forward with courage, trusting that even if things don’t unfold exactly as we envision, God can still work through it. That is the very spirit Jesus encouraged in his followers.

And let’s not forget Jesus’ constant focus on the Kingdom of God. Throughout his parables and teachings, he consistently pointed towards a future brimming with God’s perfect peace, justice, and joy.

This eternal perspective offered his followers a steadfast hope even amidst the trials of earthly life. When we ask ourselves, “What’s the best that can happen?” in our daily lives, it can be a small reflection of that ultimate hope we hold in Christ. It’s about looking beyond the immediate challenges and envisioning the potential for good, both in the here and now and in eternity.

Finally, let’s consider the powerful role of faith in Jesus’ ministry. We see countless accounts of
healing and miracles that were directly linked to the faith of those involved. Faith, at its core, is
inherently optimistic. It believes in the possibility of positive change, in God’s power to intervene and bring about good. Asking “What’s the best that can happen?” is, in a way, an act of faith. It’s opening ourselves up to the possibility that wonderful things can indeed happen, that God can work in truly amazing ways in our lives.

So, how can we practically begin to shift our thinking and align ourselves with this more optimistic, Jesus-centered approach?

Here are three simple steps you can try incorporating into your day starting today:

First, the next time you find yourself hesitating because you’re caught in a web of negative “what ifs,” intentionally pause. Right there in that moment, ask yourself, “Okay, but what’s the best that could happen in this situation?” Don’t just let the thought flit by. Actually take a moment to truly consider the positive possibilities. You might even find it helpful to jot them down. Seeing those potential good outcomes written down can be incredibly powerful in redirecting your focus and giving you the courage to take that next step forward.

Second, make a conscious effort to reflect on Bible verses that underscore God’s unwavering faithfulness, His generous provision, and the incredible hope we have in Him. Spend some time
meditating on passages like Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7, which gently remind us not to be anxious but to bring our requests before God with hearts full of thanksgiving. Or Romans 8, verse 28, which offers the comforting truth that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Regularly focusing on these foundational truths can reframe your perspective and build a solid bedrock of optimistic trust in God’s character.

And third, share your “best-case” scenarios with others, especially those you trust and who offer you encouragement. Talk to your spouse, a close friend, a supportive family member. Voicing your hopes and the positive possibilities you’re envisioning can bring a wave of encouragement and even a sense of shared accountability. And perhaps most importantly, bring these situations before God in prayer. Ask Him to guide you, to open doors that need opening, and to bring about the best possible outcomes according to His perfect will. This acknowledges that our ultimate hope and trust rest firmly in Him.

Shifting our perspective from a pessimistic “what if worst?” to an optimistic “what if best?” isn’t
about ignoring the genuine realities of life or pretending that difficult things never happen.

Rather, it’s about making a conscious choice to focus on the potential for good that God lovingly offers in every single situation we encounter. Just as Jesus encouraged us to trust in God’s provision and to actively overcome fear, embracing this mindset, inspired by that simple yet profound question I heard my wife ask, can unlock new possibilities, deepen our faith, and ultimately lead us toward a more joyful and truly fulfilling life here in our beautiful corner of the world.

So, dear friends, I encourage you to ponder this: what’s one area in your life right now where you can begin asking yourself, “What’s the best that can happen?” I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below. And if you found this column helpful, please feel free to share it with someone who might need a little extra dose of optimism in their day.

Want to explore more about our ministry and the resources we offer? Head on over to
http://YourJesusJourney.com and discover a wealth of free e-books, journey groups, blog posts, and so
much more – all designed to support you on your unique journey with Jesus. We look forward to
connecting with you there, wherever you may be on your path!