Pray that you would accept the situation.
I recently heard these words in a sermon and I haven’t been able
to stop thinking about them. Pray that I would accept the situation? Doesn’t
whether or not I want to accept the situation depend on the situation? For example, a good
health report, a new job or the promotion I wanted, a secure and happy
marriage—those are acceptable situations. But cancer, loss of a job, divorce,
death of a loved one—those situations are harder to accept. I don’t want to accept them.
I decided to look up the definition of the word accept.
accept – to take or receive, to receive with approval, to tolerate
or accommodate oneself to. (Dictionary.com)
accept – to receive willingly (NLT Study Bible, Tyndale)
I don’t know if I can willingly accept something I don’t want or
something I know will be painful or final. On second thought, I know I can’t.
Not on my own. I need God’s help.
When Jesus prayed in the Garden Gethsemane ,
He asked God if there was another way…
“‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, “everything is possible for you.
Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be
done, not mine.’” (Mark 14:36 NLT)
“Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, ‘My Father! If
this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.’” (Matt. 26:42 NLT)
Each time, Jesus expressed His feelings to God, but God’s will was
of most importance to Him. Jesus accepted the situation and did what He had to
do.
God will always listen to us. He wants us to express our fears,
disappointments, and confusion. Sometimes He will change our circumstances, and
sometimes, He will change us instead.
Accepting a situation doesn’t mean pretending I’m happy about it,
but maybe it frees me from the anger, hurt, and resentment I feel. Especially
if I’m feeling this way towards God, accepting it allows me to move on with
what I have to do. Accepting it enables me to receive God’s guidance and His
help in getting through the situation.
This is Part One in a three-part series. Stop back on Wednesday
for Part
Two—Pray for Strength.
In Christ,
Laura
It's hard for me to accept things that I don't want in my life either. I often voice my displeasure to God in these situations. I am so thankful He leads me by His grace.
ReplyDeleteYes. this is what I needed to read today.
ReplyDeletebeautiful. thank you.
yes! yes! amen!! this is a message we all need to grab hold of and tuck deep into our hearts! God doesn't always change our situation ... but when we accept the situation, He'll ALWAYS change us!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing your heart today!
Beautiful words here! I've been recently convicted about contentment, and accepting what we face is such a big step in that. Thank you for opening my eyes a little wider today!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you decided to link this one up, Laura. I needed to read it again. thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm striving to pray that He changes me. not my circumstances. for the rewards seem to be 10 fold...
That being said--isn't He amazing?!? always willing to listen. comfort. while still staying true to what's best for us. God is good. all the time.
All for Him,
Nikki
Excellent! Thank you. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective, I love that we can tell God everything and we don't have to hold back. I know that as I pray, it helps align my heart with His will. Sometimes that takes longer than others.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back for round 2 of Write It, Girl!