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Accepting the Unacceptable


              Our lives on earth will require accepting the unacceptable.  Every single human being must face that they cannot get their own way all the time.  And, thank God, we cannot. 
There are two reasons to be thankful that we cannot get our own way.  I thank God I cannot get my own way because my way may be harmful to myself and others.  I don’t always know for sure that my way would not cause unintended damage to other people.  I am limited in my understanding and do not have full view of all the ramifications for my choices.  This was the case for the very first sinners.  Eve did not disobey God and eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil because she wanted to sin against God.  Adam ate because he saw that nothing had changed for Eve, and the idea of being like God, whom he admired, was more desirable than obeying His command not to eat.  They could not even imagine the ramifications of their decision to have their own way.  Only God could see how this would eventually play out and only God had provided a solution in the seed of a woman. 
Another reason that I have learned to accept the unacceptable is that my soul was made for peace, and when I refuse to accept what I cannot change, it makes me crazy.  My emotions are in complete upheaval, and I am not able to change the things I can.  Rather I am constantly revved up by what I cannot change.  Demanding my own way makes me an emotional wreck.  I cannot demand my own way and find peace for my soul.
Jesus showed us how he accepted the unacceptable through the way He prayed.  He did not attempt to impose His will but lived on earth to fulfill God’s will for Him.  Heaven knows that God asked a lot of unacceptable realities for Him.  Why did Jesus accept as God’s will the unacceptable?  Because He knew God loved Him, only wanted the best for Him and ultimately was going to bring about the best for Him.  Jesus taught us to address God as Father and to address God’s will as our first desire.  Matthew 6:9-10 is the beginning of the way He taught us to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Thy will be done is the perfect prayer.  It leads to perfect peace, especially when you are praying about unacceptable situations.  Releasing your mind, body and spirit totally to the love and peace of God is the most peace-filled state you can achieve for your soul.  Jesus made it clear before he left for heaven that we Christians would be attacked because we are Christians.  That is unacceptable.  Accepting the unacceptable through faith in God’s sovereign will brings peace. 
I am praying for God’s will in a personal situation that is unacceptable.  I have a will that would include Him resolving the situation in a more acceptable manner.  I realize that God’s will is higher than my will.  When His will is done, I will not cause unintended pain to others based on getting my way accomplished.  If others feel harmed, it will actually be for their good.  It will be their opportunity to struggle with God and come to peace.  When I pray for God’s will, I come to a place of peace.  My stomach settles down; my head does not pound; I am free to go about my life knowing that God has reasons for everything He allows in my life.
Thy will be done is the perfect prayer that leads to peace.

Copyright © 2017.  Deborah R Newman.  teatimeforyoursoul.com  All Rights Reserved.
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