In The Serenity Prayer column each month we are studying this well-known prayer phrase by phrase and applying it to our life today. These columns will be published the first Friday of each month in 2019.
GOD grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can…
courage: strength in the face of pain or grief; the ability to do something that frightens; mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty; willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
Most of the changes we need to make are related to the personal challenges we face as individuals.
Some of my biggest challenges are low self-esteem, lack of self confidence and allowing myself to be easily discouraged.
There are many people in scripture that struggled with self-confidence, the most memorable is Moses.
At the burning bush when God commissioned Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt he protested saying, “Who am I to lead the people of Israel!” Although Moses was well educated and qualified to be a leader, he suffered with self-doubt.
Sometimes we won’t even try to change for fear of failure.
God isn’t expecting perfection. He knows what we are made of and only asks that we try with the abilities and resources available to us. As we do He will crown our efforts with success.
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. ~ 1 Chronicles 28:20
Rather than striving to make changes in my own power I must remember that all my strength comes from the grace of Christ.
With Jesus’ help I will step out with courage. I will do everything possible, to live the life God has for me and be the person He wants me to be.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13