Figuring Out Why
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
“Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” These popular words of prayer were penned by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The prayer has been popularized by 12-step programs, self-help gurus, and counselors alike. The point of the prayer is it’s a plea for the inner willpower to surrender to God by realizing there are some situations we have no power to change, harnessing the strength to change the things in life that we can change, and ability to discern the difference.
The truth is we cannot change our pain-filled past. It’s what stands out to me about the story of the wedding at Cana in John 2. What I like about the story is that when the wine runs out, the couple doesn’t spend a lot of time trying to figure out why it ran out. Can you imagine how much worse the situation would have been if the couple had started arguing about whose fault it was for taking care of the wine? Can you imagine if the bride’s father had turned to the groom’s father and accused him of being too cheap to get enough wine?
We do not know whether the wedding coordinator made a mistake and ordered 13 instead of 30. We do not know if the delivery guys delivered the wrong order to the wrong address. But I think the Holy Spirit intended for us not to know, because a lot of times, when things go wrong in our lives, we waste a lot of time trying to figure out why. And as a result, we develop a paralysis of analysis trying to figure out why.
We cannot change the fact that someone we loved let us down. We cannot change the fact that a promise that was made was not kept. We cannot change the fact that someone hurt us, abused us, or was not there for us. We have to accept it for what it is. It happened. That does not mean that what they did was okay, but what it does mean is that we can learn from it, rise above it, and move forward trusting that God can bring good from it.
“Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” These popular words of prayer were penned by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The prayer has been popularized by 12-step programs, self-help gurus, and counselors alike. The point of the prayer is it’s a plea for the inner willpower to surrender to God by realizing there are some situations we have no power to change, harnessing the strength to change the things in life that we can change, and ability to discern the difference.
The truth is we cannot change our pain-filled past. It’s what stands out to me about the story of the wedding at Cana in John 2. What I like about the story is that when the wine runs out, the couple doesn’t spend a lot of time trying to figure out why it ran out. Can you imagine how much worse the situation would have been if the couple had started arguing about whose fault it was for taking care of the wine? Can you imagine if the bride’s father had turned to the groom’s father and accused him of being too cheap to get enough wine?
We do not know whether the wedding coordinator made a mistake and ordered 13 instead of 30. We do not know if the delivery guys delivered the wrong order to the wrong address. But I think the Holy Spirit intended for us not to know, because a lot of times, when things go wrong in our lives, we waste a lot of time trying to figure out why. And as a result, we develop a paralysis of analysis trying to figure out why.
We cannot change the fact that someone we loved let us down. We cannot change the fact that a promise that was made was not kept. We cannot change the fact that someone hurt us, abused us, or was not there for us. We have to accept it for what it is. It happened. That does not mean that what they did was okay, but what it does mean is that we can learn from it, rise above it, and move forward trusting that God can bring good from it.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments