The Serenity PrayerSample

Accepting what I cannot change

“… to accept the things I cannot change …”

Today, we reflect on the importance of accepting what we cannot change. Serenity is an inner peace that comes from trusting in God, which is essential for facing situations beyond our control. Often, we encounter unchangeable realities, such as our past, tragedies, or personal limitations. While we cannot alter them, we can choose how we respond.

The apostle Paul also faced an unchangeable circumstance, referring to a “thorn in the flesh” that troubled him. Despite repeatedly praying for God to remove this thorn, the answer was clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God did not remove the thorn, but He gave Paul the grace needed to live with it.

Like Paul, we all have thorns—painful situations we cannot change, whether it’s an illness, a loss, or the mistakes of the past. We can either fight against these circumstances or seek God's serenity to live with them. The thorn reveals our fragility and reminds us of our dependence on God. It is in our weakness that God’s power is most clearly manifested, giving us strength to grow and mature, even amid difficulties.

Accepting God’s grace in these situations does not mean giving up, but rather finding peace and courage to face them, trusting that He is in control. While we cannot change the unchangeable aspects of life, we can control how we respond to the thorns in our flesh. God transforms us when we ask for serenity, allowing us to experience His presence and strength, regardless of the circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Help me to trust in Your grace, which is sufficient, and to find strength in You in my weaknesses. May I have peace in the midst of adversity, knowing that You are always with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.