Acceptance is the key that opens the door to your peace
In an earlier writing, we were reminded that peace depends upon our willingness to trust, believe, and rely upon, a Power greater than ourselves. As we endure the spiritual, emotional, and physical vicissitudes of life, we can find ourselves feeling helpless, hopeless, alone, and without a sense of light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes these moments come as the result of the choices we make, but oftentimes they are the result of things beyond our control. Regardless of the source, we must find a healthy way to cope, persevere, and find our way to the other side.
This is not an easy process, but it is possible when we remember who ultimately, with our cooperation, is in control. We need to put forth our best efforts to remain focused and think clearly enough to act on our own behalf. In essence, we decide to confront our pain or problem, instead of avoiding it. We face it with an attitude of acceptance – not acceptance of the unacceptable, simply acceptance around the situation being what it is, at that very moment; and not allowing the circumstances surrounding the situation to cause us to lose focus, act irrationally, vindictively, or irresponsibly.
Knowing that trouble and challenges are an inherent part of this imperfect world, we choose to recognize our inability to escape them (as much as we would like to). Doesn’t the sun shine on the good and the bad? Doesn’t it rain on the righteous and the wrong? Haven’t innocent people been persecuted, incarcerated, and even murdered?
When viewed from this perspective, it helps us to understand and, perhaps more importantly, accept the challenges with which we are faced, as we search for solutions (within our control) to get on the other side of the problem.
Various programs of recovery are famous for teaching the benefits of acceptance. I believe the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, says it best: “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation in my life unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God’s world by mistake; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.” Let that sink in...
When you feel as if you are drowning, try these three steps:
1. First take care of you. Begin by making sure you are well-rested, fed, and hydrated, as we do not make good decisions when our minds and bodies are hungry, thirsty, or fatigued.
2. Next, pray for God’s help (and please remember to ask that His will be done). Remember, it is imperative to stay grounded and focused, to operate at an optimal level, in all aspects of life. Therefore, we should seek help when we are feeling low or powerless (calling on a friend or loved one for support at this time is probably a good idea too). We should plug into a Power greater than ourselves and allow that Power to serve as our guide, sustenance, and joy. Without this Power, support, guidance, and direction, we are truly alone, thus making the challenges of life far too great to bear; but, with God, all things are possible!
3. Lastly, you must believe that God is with you – comforting you, protecting you, working through people, and prepared to help you get to the other side of your pain. God’s Word promises that if we ask, He will answer our prayers – but we must ask and believe.
Keep the faith and allow God to work. Know that He will see you through and, in His time, cause you to appreciate and understand the blessing (or the lesson) in your pain. Keep putting one foot in front of the other; do what's in front of you; and continue doing the next right thing. You will survive the test and have a testimony that will benefit someone else. Remember: There is no testimony without a test!
Reminder: Acceptance is the key...
“Learn to live above your circumstances.” – Sarah Young
“With God’s help, I can walk through the storm with grace.” –
Angel Michelle Chapman, JD
“I have to be willing to participate in my own rescue if I expect to be happy, healthy, and successful.” – Angel Michelle Chapman, JD
You’ve got this! Go for it; and if you have not already done so, please subscribe below to stay inspired and learn more about how to keep it moving in 2021!
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