Acceptance

¹⁹ When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” ²⁰ So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate. ²¹ Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”
²² And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ ²³ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” - 2 Samuel 12:19-23

     This is obviously a very well-known passage because of the implications in the area of infant salvation and the age of accountability. David is confident that he will see his child again someday. However, I want to focus on David's actions throughout the child's sickness and his response to the servants. David prayed and fasted and mourned for the child in hopes that God would show mercy. As soon as the child has passed away David goes back to his normal routine. The servants are confused. Many of us may be confused as well, or feel that David is uncaring and calloused. In reality, if I could learn to respond as David did my life would be so much easier. I must accept God's will in my life. I must accept His answer and His plan whether I like it or not. Why do I insist on crying and complaining and begging for a different response? I have the choice to either except the reality and move forward, or dwell or what I want and what could have been. David chose to get up and worship God. It is hard for me to even fathom worshiping God right after things "go wrong."  My acceptance needs to mirror that of David. God knows what is best and He has a plan figured out. 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. Am I going to stay on my face, immobilized by the unchangeable or am I going to get on my feet and go worship my Lord?