Battles

Reinhold Niebuhr is considered a leading theologian of the 20th Century.  He was born in a small Missouri town, the son of German immigrants.  Rather humble beginnings for a man that would be required reading by every theological seminary in the world today, wouldn’t you say?  Never heard of him?  Maybe you’ll recognize one of his prayers…

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Just about every person who has entered a Twelve Step program has uttered this prayer. It was included in a book issued to military servicemen and chaplains in 1944. There are many types of prayer in this world. This prayer is used in battle. Whether the battle is of mind, body or spirit, this Serenity Prayer is a formidable weapon.

One of the most common conflicts we enter into in this life is the battle for control.  Maybe its control over our spouse, our children, our career, our addictions, our cats…some fights are right and necessary…others are self-defeating. Where do you choose to fight? On which battlefields are you prepared to die? Who gets to decide?

As the season of Lent draws to a close, I invite you to gather up your all your battles and take them to the one who fought the final one.  Sift through each one with Christ and let him decide which ones are actually yours to fight.  You were placed on this planet for a purpose.  You are here in this time, in this place for a reason. Lent is a time of laying down unnecessary burdens. May this Easter be your season of renewal!

See you Sunday!
Missy