Faith | She formed a personal ‘if-then’ statement about God and his promises

An if-then statement, also known as a conditional statement, illustrates a logical relationship between two ideas. It asserts that “if” a specific condition is met, “then” a particular result will follow.

During my senior year of high school, I unknowingly formulated a deeply personal “if-then” statement that has since profoundly shaped my understanding of God’s nature and character.

As my birthday approached, a friend suggested we celebrate by climbing the water tower and enjoying cake at the top. In my youthful naivete’, it seemed harmless. With a freshly baked cake in hand, we jumped the fence surrounding the tower and climbed to the top. Our celebration must have drawn attention because, before long, police searchlights illuminated the area.

Panic set in. I dropped to my stomach, lying flat and still. My heart raced as images of being handcuffed in the back of a police car filled my mind.

Up until that point, I had always been a rule-follower—a straight A student, senior class president, a three-sport athlete, and an active member of my church youth group. I feared that this reckless decision might compromise my future. In that moment of desperation, I prayed, expressing regret and promising never to climb the tower again if God would keep me safe.

Miraculously, the police turned back to their squad cars and left without incident. That night, I learned a profound lesson: God heard my prayer and responded with mercy. This experience revealed a fundamental truth about his character—God keeps his promises.

From that moment, I formed an if-then statement that would shape my faith: If God keeps his promises, then I can trust him. And if I can trust him, then I need not fear or doubt.

Because God keeps his promises, we can trust him when he says:

▪ “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

▪ “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

·▪ “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

▪ “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships, but in a fallen world, many of us have experienced betrayal or manipulation that erodes our ability to trust. If past wounds make it difficult to trust God, I encourage you to continue learning about his character, attributes, and eternal purposes.

Russell M. Nelson wisely taught, “The more we learn about God, the easier it will be for us to trust Him.” Paul B. Pieper also shared, “Sometimes the best way to learn to trust God is simply by trusting Him. Like the ‘Crazy Trust Exercise,’ we must sometimes be willing to fall backward, and let Him catch us.”

Not all of my prayers have been answered the way I wanted, like they were that night on the water tower. My adult life has presented its share of challenges. Trusting in God has not shielded me from trials or guaranteed everything would unfold as expected. However, it has provided lasting peace, knowing that he is fully aware of my circumstances and will accompany me through difficult moments.

That night on the water tower, I learned that I could trust God. This trust allows me to quiet my doubts and fears amid life’s uncertainties.

I encourage you to lean into that trust, allowing yourself to fall confidently into the loving arms of a faithful God, who will undoubtedly catch you.