What If: The Silent Battle of Adulting and Finding Hope in Jesus

As adults, there are moments when we find ourselves trapped in the labyrinth of "What if?" scenarios. It's easy to wonder how different our lives could be if we had made a different choice, pursued a different career, or taken a different path. These thoughts linger in the quiet moments of our lives, invading our minds at night or during the stillness of early mornings.

This mental spiral can become exhausting. It's draining to see the people close to us thriving in their own paths, while we feel stuck, fighting battles of despair and frustration. We compare ourselves, often unknowingly, and our hearts grow heavier as we ask ourselves, "What if I had just taken that opportunity?" or "What if I had tried harder?"

It’s human nature to reflect on these questions—on past decisions, relationships, missed opportunities, or life choices. And yet, while doing so, we often overlook the reality that our present, as painful as it may sometimes feel, is still where we’re meant to be. It’s hard to accept this truth when we see others achieving what seems to be success—marriages flourishing, careers blossoming, and dreams realized. The weight of these comparisons can be unbearable.

But amidst these overwhelming thoughts, hope remains. As Christians, we are called to believe that our paths are divinely guided. In those moments of doubt and exhaustion, we must remember that Jesus walks with us. He knows our pain, our struggles, and our inner battles. He never promised a life free of hardship, but He did promise His presence and peace amidst the storms.

It’ in the moments of despair that we find the most profound opportunities to rely on Him. Instead of asking, “What if?” we can start to ask, “What now?” What does God have for me in this moment, in this season of waiting, or in this perceived delay?

Though we might feel stuck in a cycle of disappointment, it’s important to remember that God’s timing is not ours. The journeys of others are not a measure of our worth or success. Just because we don’t see immediate results or have our "breakthrough" yet, doesn’t mean God isn’t working behind the scenes.

In the book of Isaiah, God reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8). His plans for us are higher than anything we can imagine. We might not always understand why our path is different, slower, or more challenging, but we can rest in the promise that God’s purpose for us is far greater than any “what if” we could conjure.

Yes, adulting is hard. The "what ifs" are real, and the comparison trap is suffocating at times. But in the midst of it all, hope remains. Through Jesus, we are reminded that our identity is not tied to our achievements, our status, or the world’s standards of success. We are loved beyond measure, guided by His hands, and called according to His purpose.

So, the next time the “what ifs” start to crowd your mind, pause. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you are exactly where you need to be. God is not finished with your story yet. Keep moving forward in faith, trusting that His plans will unfold in the right time. And no matter what happens, you have an unshakeable hope in Christ that sustains you, even in the midst of doubt.

Growing Daily With Grace,

Irish🤎