Learning To Accept What Cannot Be Changed

In summary of Philippians 4:11-13 it says,

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Bottom Line:

Paul learned how to be content in with what He had.  He knew how to live on little or lots.  He learned the secret for living in every situation.  You face with the knowledge that Christ helps give you the strength to do everything.

What this means to me:

Just like Paul, it is my desire to learn how to be happy and content with what I have, whether it be in times of plenty or famine.  I want to embrace his secret which is to face each day knowing that Christ is with me and will help provide the strength to do anything.  So this means I should stop and recognize when I start worrying about things, especially the ones that can’t be changed.  I should learn to not be bitter or resentful about what’s in front of me.  Peace will come when I accept what cannot be changed.  Paul wrote this passage while in prison awaiting execution.  I would imagine the Paul would have liked to have change his circumstance.  Instead he trusted God for the things that he could not change and chose to give God the glory.  One of the hardest parts will be getting beyond the question of “God, why is this happening, why are you allowing it?”  In reality God doesn’t own me an explanation at all.  I need to remember that God is good, just, and fair.  He understands things I can’t even comprehend. I just need to say “ok”.  I can count on the presence of God in my life to comfort me.  Today I will stop looking for something that I really don’t need, and stop trying to change things that are out of my control.