THE RING

And we know that God causes all
things to work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are called
according to his purpose.
For those whom He foreknew, He also
predestined to become conformed to
the image of His Son, so that He would
be the firstborn among many brethren;
and these whom He predestined, He
also called; and these whom He called,
He also justified; and these whom He
justified, He also glorified.
Romans 8:28-31
NASB

About seven years ago, our pastor here in Townsend at the time, mentioned in a sermon that we Christians ought to have some little something we carry that reminds us of Jesus...key ring or any number of objects. I found a small pinky ring that was simple with a small cross on it and rarely took it off up until of late. About a month ago, after a bath, my pinky ring was missing and probably down the drain. It had been loose and should have taken it off, but didn't. I've missed that little reminder as it's been such a blessing.

Recently some dear Bible study ladies gave me a monetary gift. I don't like that kind of thing but still was grateful. It was a bit of an ah-ha moment. If I were to go back to the same place, perhaps there would be another ring like the one down the drain. Well, went to the same Christian supply store and found no little ring like my other one. There were rings with crosses but the crosses had stones in the crosses. I personally don't like that sort of thing because I don't think there were any precious stones on the cross Jesus died on.

The last several months have been difficult ones for me. There have been major changes in my life probably with more to come knowing how life goes. I decided to look for another pinky ring with no idea of what it would look like. After looking over some beautiful Christian jewelry, there it was. It was sitting in a nice display of lovely rings but sort of sitting apart from the others. It was black with silver trim on the top and bottom of it. It was the wording that stood out to me although very small print for reading purposes. It simply says:

“Serenity to accept, courage to change, wisdom to know.”

Yep, all that on one little ring. I know it rings of the Serenity Prayer but the three little phrases spoke to my heart encouraging my attitude toward those very things I feel I need God's help with right now. Without our Father's strength and help, battles fought in the flesh are bound to fail. The Scripture reference I have typed out was added in very tiny print...Romans 8:28-31. Perhaps it can speak to you as well.

Serenity to accept: There are things in life we are forced to take on. There are events, people and no telling what else we are called on to accept. I often want a say in everything in my life and it just doesn't work that way when God has a better plan. He allows people and situations to enter our lives that may often be uncomfortable, but always with our good in mind. To fight such just delays God's blessings.

Courage to change: The older I get, the more I resist change. I've never liked it, but now at this stage in my life, I want things as much the same as possible. As God has worked His will in every stage of my life, He is quite able to get me through the one I'm faced with now. My response to change must be that of letting God be God. He empowers me to face change and make it count for His glory.

Wisdom to know: I want the wisdom to know what is going on in my life, but realizing I won't have all the answers. I want to manage God's gift of days in my life well and have the wisdom to know how to grow and be fruitful in Christ. We all need wisdom for a lot of things so this becomes vital in the plan my little ring presents. The world has it's theory of how to manage life. God has better answers found in His Word and through the leading of His Holy Spirit.

I'm so grateful for God's goodness in our lives and the wonderful ways He leads and directs us during difficult times. His love and working behind the scenes in our behalf is amazing. I want to be courageous for the Lord working within the parameters of His wisdom. I want to then be content...letting God be God...in whatever God chooses to allow in my life. I pray the same for you friends as well, especially as we will soon be coming up a new year. God has great things in store for us...we are a blessed people.

Thank You, Father for all You mean in my life. Your presence and love mean more to me than I can say. Thank You for friends who encourage, who step in with You to be a blessing. With the busyness of the holiday, help us all to keep our focus on those things that are important and not be distracted by all of the holiday festivities. Thank You that we have this special season, given to us with the utmost of love. In Jesus' precious name....Amen