Accepting Our Circumstances

How We React to Our Circumstances
Pages 215-221

Chapter 9 applies to every one of us, for we all have "circumstances." Our situations in life are as varied as the people involved. How we react to our circumstances -- whether we believe the lies presented to us or embrace God's Truth -- has a profound effect on everything else.

One lie many women believe is that if only their circumstances were different, then they would be different -- they would act differently or they would be happier. What they are really saying is that they are victims of their circumstances and they are powerless to control what they say and do.

36. The lie: If my circumstances were different, I would be different.

The Truth: My circumstances do not make me what I am; they merely reveal what I am.

Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Luke 6:45, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

The Truth: If I am not content with my present circumstances, I am not likely to be happy in any other set of circumstances.

Philippians 4:11-12, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

The Truth: Every circumstance that touches my life has first been filtered through His fingers of love.

Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

The Truth is that we are not victims. We may not be able to control our circumstances; but by God's grace, we can choose how we respond to our circumstances.

Let's Go to the Lord

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often let my circumstances control my attitudes and my responses. I want to be controlled by Your Holy Spirit. Please help me to trust in You, regardless of what is going on around me, and to learn to rejoice and be content in every circumstances. Amen.