“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
This prayer is asking God to give us peace as we journey through challenging situations, knowing that God is with us, and will take us safely through. We don’t pretend that we are in control. In fact, we know that we cannot control people, places, or things. However we also know that God is in control and, when our lives are lived within His care, He is willing not only to show us the way forward but will take us by the hand and help us get to where we need to go.
I am the Lord your God. I take hold of your right hand. I say to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13 NIRV)
In our lives of addiction and self-reliance we generally chose a “fight or flight” response when we faced problems. One of the courageous ways we walk in our new life with God is to stand firm in the truth of His word and watch what He will do for us. The Bible is filled with stories that demonstrate the outcome of situations where people trusted God.
One story is of God’s people when they had just been delivered from a life of slavery and were heading for the good land God had promised them.
On the way, they looked back and saw their slave keepers coming after them and they responded with fear. In the face of this seemingly overwhelming problem, their leader Moses encouraged them by speaking to the people and saying: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today. Do you see those Egyptians? You will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you. Just be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIRV) God did exactly that. In a powerful way, God delivered them from what seemed like certain death. God can be trusted to do the same for us when we ask for His help and rely on His promises.
On the way, they looked back and saw their slave keepers coming after them and they responded with fear. In the face of this seemingly overwhelming problem, their leader Moses encouraged them by speaking to the people and saying: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today. Do you see those Egyptians? You will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you. Just be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIRV) God did exactly that. In a powerful way, God delivered them from what seemed like certain death. God can be trusted to do the same for us when we ask for His help and rely on His promises.
In some recovery circles we affirm these encouraging truths each week by saying: God is always with me. I need never face my problems alone. Together with God, any difficulty can worked out and overcome. Today, let’s live in the peace and knowledge that God is always present to help us in times of trouble.
©2015 Partners in Hope
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