The Serenity Prayer…do you remember it?

• Serenity to accept what can’t be changed.
• Courage to change what can be changed.
• Wisdom to know the difference.

Often, we fall into self-pity instead of choosing to accept responsibility for what we CAN change!  That keeps us from ever reaching serenity…or developing courage.  Instead of seeking wisdom–which begins with reverence for God–we listen to our world, but:

We live in a confused culture that idolizes independence, develops dependencies and prefers the blame game to the challenge of change. 

Choice is powerful!  It is the greatest God has given.  Awe for the gift and the Giver delivers us from every difficult.

Take time to consider what needs changing in your life.  All of us fall short of the glory of God; we all have areas that God points to.  Don’t run from it.  Run into it!  Will there be pain in change?  Most likely!  Will there be greater–unproductive pain–if you do not change?  Undoubtedly!!  Perfect love casts out all fear.

AWARENESS

What aspects of my life are out of line with the goodness of God?

Galatians 5 is a great filter to identify those areas.  Where are you not feeling joy…or peace?  Or where is there tension?

ASKING

Let the Holy Spirit work the Truth into your heart.  The enemy wants you run from the awareness; he’ll pour out guilt and condemnation.  In the name of Jesus, tell him to leave.  Then listen to the Holy Spirit.  Conviction is His work.  Conviction that leads to change pierces your heart but draws you to the grace and mercy of God.  The Holy Spirit speaks with love that transforms.  Listen to His loving voice and ask for the next step you need to take to align that area of your life with the Father’s will.

ACTION

Love is a verb and obedience to the will of the Father is nourishment for our lives (John 4:34). The Scriptures are clear that God guides us.  The earthly reality is equally clear:  we don’t always like what He says, so we CHOOSE to ignore Him.  This us brings us back to where this entry began:  CHOICE.

We have the choice to align our lives with God or not.

Every choice comes with consequences.  Choose Life!

An extra treat for your enjoyment:  the rest of the story on the Serenity Prayer!