Listen to this devotion
How, Lord … Can I Accept What I Can’t Change?
In the Word
… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation … (Philippians 4:12b).
Of the Word
As we read the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians, we may think it’s quite difficult to be content with the problems that continually creep into our lives — problems we can’t change. How are we to accept unemployment or loss of property or death of a loved one or illness or straying children or dwindling retirement accounts, just to name a few of the continuing trials of life?
Accepting our circumstances doesn’t mean we have to like them! Paul certainly couldn’t have enjoyed being shipwrecked, beaten, ridiculed, or jailed but he did unlock the secret of acceptance: I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
We, like Paul, can learn to be content because Jesus is with us and will never forsake us. With patience, He will help us accept what we cannot change. We, like Paul, are given the strength to endure from the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, assuring us our trials are temporary.
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, help me to feel Your presence and listen for Your loving voice. Please strengthen my faith so I will not allow worry to dominate me. In times of trouble help me give You glory by being an encourager to others. In my Savior’s name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 1/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
