IF
Today's reading: Genesis 28-30

"Then Jacob made this vow: If God will be with me and protect me on this journey and give me food and clothing, and if he will bring me back safely to my father, then I will make the Lord my God." Genesis 28:20 NLT

If-in the event that; allowing that; on the assumption that; on condition that.

Do you know of another two-letter word in the English language that carries so much weight?

It's a word that is pivotal. It is a conjunction, or joining word. It is the hinge used in a lot of sentences and conversations to connect two thoughts.

In this portion of Scripture, this word, if, is used to link Jacob's faith to God. It's a teeter-totter of sorts as to Jacob trusting God to provide.

You've used it before in that manner, haven't you?

If God will answer this prayer...

If God will open this door...

If God will play out this specific scenario in this certain way...

If I flip my Bible open to a random page and it tells me what to do...

I'll let you in on a little secret, there are no 'ifs, ands or buts' about it--God will be God. He will always show His characteristics, He will always be powerful, strong, loving and just. And His being Himself has nothing to do with any ultimatums we may issue Him in the form of powerful two-letter words.