There is great power in accepting things you cannot change. When we grasp this concept, we unlock the ability to live the life God designed for us. Life often throws overwhelming and difficult challenges our way, but acceptance allows us to see them for what they are. Through faith, we can rise above these situations, not because of their ease, but because of our strength through God. We must accept both our circumstances and the fact that God empowers us to overcome them.
One of the most humbling experiences is encountering situations that we dislike but cannot change. In these uncomfortable moments, we realize our smallness in the vastness of life. We will inevitably face situations beyond our control or understanding, and this realization brings the pain of non-acceptance. However, embracing acceptance reveals its power—it frees us from resistance and helps us trust in God, who is ultimately in control of all things. Acceptance opens the door to peace and divine guidance.
Much of our anxiety stems from resisting things we cannot change. It’s difficult to accept unexpected challenges, especially when we feel they shouldn’t happen to us. Yet, these trials often come because of who we are—imperfect human beings. Though we may falter, we have the ability to overcome and steer our lives in the right direction. Acceptance empowers us to embrace our imperfections, while also allowing us to access the strength within to move forward and change what we can.
What you resist, persists.
There is a saying that goes, ‘What you resist, persists. – Carl Jung.’ What this means is that whatever you face that you do not accept, you will keep on facing. The moment you stop resisting, and start accepting, is the moment you’ll experience the great power of acceptance.
God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.
Accepting God’s Will for your life
When accepting things you cannot change, do not resist the Will of God
These two examples show how different attitudes towards God’s will can lead to vastly different outcomes. Jonah’s resistance brought him suffering, while Abraham’s obedience brought blessings.
Personally, I can relate to this struggle. I spent years fighting against God’s call, even after attending theology school. I always doubted my ability to fulfill God’s purpose. The internal battle I faced was exhausting, as I resisted what I knew deep down I was meant to do—ministering and serving in some capacity.
For many years, I struggled with intense pain and suffering as I resisted God’s purpose for my life. However, when I finally stopped resisting and embraced His will, my struggles began to dissipate. It wasn’t the calling itself that caused my pain, but rather my refusal to accept it. Embracing the things we cannot change can be incredibly challenging, but it’s always the most fulfilling path.
Navigating the Sea of Forgetfulness: Embracing Healing and Renewal
Resisting God will hurt
My refusal to accept God’s will led to countless internal battles. After years of resisting, I realized that it was my resistance causing the ongoing inner turmoil. There were many long nights when I wrapped myself in a blanket, urging myself to accept life as it is. Sometimes, the pain of remaining the same becomes so overwhelming that we are compelled to seek change. The key takeaway is that the change we seek often comes through the door of acceptance.
Many of us find ourselves in a similar situation, struggling against the life unfolding around us. Our resistance can prevent us from fully embracing our experiences. Often, our own selfishness, pride, and arrogance can obscure our view of reality, keeping us trapped in suffering. However, faith can illuminate the path to God’s will. I encourage you to embrace the power of acceptance and, through faith, align yourself with God’s leading and purpose.
Acceptance doesn’t always take away our troubles, but it will always help us get through them.
When accepting things you cannot change, you must understand that our troubles won’t automatically go away. This is because acceptance doesn’t always get rid of your circumstances, but it will help us live through them. By this I mean that when we accept what is happening to us, it won’t automatically take away our troubles. However, this is the first step to getting through these circumstances.
You might be up against many enemies. Yet you must accept these enemies in their entirety, then by faith defeat them. Accepting your enemies doesn’t mean you heed to them. It means that you see them as the enemies that they really are. When you see your enemies for what they are, then you can be properly empowered to defeat them.
You might be experiencing the whilst of the wind of life, be encouraged! The truth is that what you go through is what has been assigned to you, and what is assigned to you is for you to go through. As you walk through the pricks of your own wilderness, look to the prize that’s ahead of you. Be like Paul who had an unbearable thorn in his flesh, yet he anticipated and waited on the perfection of the power of God.
I’ve had my moments of acceptance too
In my own life, I’ve faced situations that felt completely alien and incredibly difficult to accept. One of the most challenging times was experiencing a broken home—a truly painful and hurtful environment. If you’ve ever been in a broken home, you understand the deep wounds and lasting scars that come with it.
During that time, I encountered a level of pain I hadn’t known was possible, much of which stemmed from my refusal to accept my circumstances. I couldn’t come to terms with the reality of what was happening to me, believing that I deserved better. It took time for me to realize that being human means facing various difficulties.
One night, as I lay curled up on my pillow, the pain felt unbearable. It was then that I made the crucial decision to accept the situation as it was. Though this acceptance didn’t immediately alleviate the pain, it gradually helped me cope. It required persistent reminders of the truth of my situation, but this acceptance allowed me to find peace before God.
In the midst of my brokenness, I discovered some of the most profound spiritual blessings of my life. Embracing acceptance helped me release negative emotions and let go of the belief that certain things shouldn’t happen to me. Instead, I learned to trust God’s leading, knowing that wherever He guides me, it is the safest path to follow.
Accepting things you cannot change can disarm your fears
One valuable lesson I’ve learned over the years is that accepting things you cannot change removes the fear associated with it. Take, for example, someone who fears death. When they come to terms with the inevitability of death and accept that it is a part of life, the fear often lessens. Accepting something we can’t change isn’t always comfortable, but it is a wise approach. While accepting death doesn’t eliminate its pain, it helps us prepare for it.
This principle applies to many situations in life. When we accept what we fear, the grip of that fear often weakens. For instance, consider someone who fears losing a loved one. Accepting this reality can be incredibly difficult. I faced this challenge as a young man when I lost my father to a critical illness. It was an unimaginable experience. Watching him suffer was heart-wrenching, and accepting his impending death felt impossible.
One early morning, around 2:30 AM, my Uncle called with the news of my father’s passing. I remember fainting at the moment I heard the news. The ache in my stomach as I struggled to comprehend his loss was profound. At that time, it was the most tragic event I had ever faced.
Even though I didn’t accept my father’s death before he passed, I eventually had to come to terms with it. It was only when I accepted the reality of his absence that I began to heal and let go of my fears.
7 Scriptures about acceptance from the Bible
2).James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
3). Hebrews 12:1
4).Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
5). John 1:11
He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him
6) .1 Timothy 1:15
7) . Romans 15:7
Conclusion
From this, we can see that acceptance is both powerful and redeeming. Embracing God’s Truth for our lives and accepting the realities that life presents can be challenging, but it is the wisest course of action. When we begin to accept life as it is, we start to move forward to a higher realm of being.
Be encouraged as you seek to accept the things you cannot change. Stay strong and remember that God is on your side, supporting and rooting for you every step of the way. God bless you!
