How do I Accept and Adjust in Adversity? Part Two: 12 Keys

Nov 13 2017 How do I Accept and Adjust in Adversity? Part Two: 12 Keys

A Brave Adjustment 

How do you feel about change? I’m not a huge fan, although I have come to understand that to live is to change, and change requires courage.

I touched on my journey of acceptance in my last post. See:   https://wp.me/p4RztF-Sx

After acceptance comes adjustment. When we experience great loss or change, we may find ourselves at a crossroads. I’ve seen many dear ones in devastating situations and have walked through deep trials myself. Once the grief subsides and our new situation becomes a reality, which road do we choose? The one laden with bitterness or the one filled with intentional adaptation leading to hope and joy?

My heart grieves for my friends who have gone the way of resentment, refusing to let go. The ones who obsess with bitter words and thoughts for years, never completely healing, and living as victims while pain erodes their souls. It is not pretty. While I do not stand in judgment because I have not walked their path, I recognize a healthier path and wish it for them.

I find inspiration from dear ones who, in time, choose, genuinely and transparently, the path of adjustment that comes after acceptance. Life will never be the same, yet they bravely trust God and rebuild. Friends who embrace the call of Jesus and seek abundant life (see John 10:10). These are my heroes. I sit in the front row, watching my heroes recover from death, divorce, grave mistakes, horrible health diagnoses, financial ruin, and so much more—beautiful, brave, and courageous faith.

We rarely choose what is subtracted from our lives, but we can choose how we respond. How we reorganize our lives in order to move forward.  Margaret Feinberg

In watching others move forward and moving ahead in my life, I have learned helpful keys in adapting to change. Steps to acclimate to hardships and what was taken away, never to return the same. I jotted down 12 keys to encourage you as you walk in courageous adjustment.

So, here we go…

~I give myself grace.

~I remember that certain dates, places, and people will trigger pain.

~I seek help and support.

~I take scary steps with courage.

~I do what brings me joy.

~When the time is right, Lord willing, I support others.

~I remember that the passage of time brings healing.

~I mend with intentionality.

~I make a new way and redefine my life abundantly.

~I cast off bitterness.

~I forgive.

~I count my blessings.

My friend, are you facing change and learning to adjust? God’s word tells us that we are MORE than conquerors (see Romans 8:37).  My prayer is that you’ll walk bravely with Jesus. Hold His hand as you accept and then adjust to your new circumstances. He makes you BRAVE.

PC: Jakob Owens: Unsplash and Bethel Music