When You Can’t Change Your Circumstances

 

By Andrea Merrell

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.

Philippians 4:11 MSG

“I wish my life had turned out differently,” the woman said to her pastor. “If I could just go back and change the past. If I could have another chance to say and do the right things, make better choices. If I could just …”

The ifs went on and on until the pastor said, “Sometimes you can change your circumstances; sometimes you can’t. The seeds you planted are producing a different harvest in your life than you expected. But know that God can turn things around.”

We all have aspects of our life that we would change if we could. But when change is not an option, it’s up to us how we respond.

Paul suffered more adversity than any other man—other than Jesus—yet he wrote:

Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. (Philippians 4:11-13 MSG)

In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young says, “Accept each day just as it comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust me enough to yield to My design and purposes.” ~ Jesus

A popular song says that sometimes God will calm the storm, but at other times he simply calms His child. In other words, God might change our circumstances. But if not, maybe … just maybe … He’s trying to change us.

No matter what you’re going through, learn to be content. Trust God’s plan and be thankful, knowing He can work all things together for your good and His glory.

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash