“The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.” ~ Jawaharlal Nehru
Fate determines the initial hand you’re dealt in life. You don’t get to choose whether you are conceived or born. You don’t get to pick who your parents are, what zip code you grow up in, or your livelihood. You must learn to play the hand you have been dealt or fold. Life seems so unfair; when you look at your hand, you don’t even possess a lousy pair, while others get dealt a royal flush; what’s up with that?
What are your options when dealt a crappy hand in life?
Live in Denial: Denying the fact that you have a terrible hand and that life is hard. The result is you mascarade your life, dressing it up to be something it is not, and hoping the world never discovers the truth. You are willing to show the world your Ace but hide the remaining cards.
Play the Victim: You cast blame on others for the hand you have been dealt. The problem here is you can burn your life entirely into the ground, and it’s not your fault.
Fall Prey to Discouragement and Fold: You can accept the hand that you have received and settle for the fact that it is what it is. This hopeless state leads to the delusion that your life will never be any better than it is, and you will eventually wish for it to end. When discouragement reaches your soul, there is an overwhelming desire to fold your hand, hoping the game of life would conclude.
Shuffle and Hope for a Better Hand: You may not realize that you can ask for the cards to be reshuffled and dealt a new hand, but first, you must surrender your original hand and toss your cards to the center.
Play the Hand Dealt: Whether you decided to keep the original hand dealt to you, or you’re fortunate enough for the dealer to reshuffle the cards and deal you a better hand, at the end of the day, you must play the hand you are dealt or fold.
The best news ever is that you can receive a new hand in the game of life. How is that possible? God makes that possible. You must surrender, confess, repent, reconcile, and only then will you discover a brand new life. You will learn to accept life on life’s terms and be okay on the inside, whether you possess a royal flush or not. Your attitude, outlook, and plan of action will determine how you play the game and whether or not you win or lose. God will put the right people in your path, who will help you play the odds and come out victorious in the end if you are willing to accept their help and show them your entire hand. When you let go and turn your hand over to God, it’s impossible to lose in the game of life.
God of love and mercy, You are my refuge, primarily since the hand dealt to me seems unfair and impossible. Would you please help me accept the hand I have received and grant me the willingness to lean on others for support to gain the wisdom necessary to succeed in the game of life, despite the hand I dealt to me? In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever. Amen.
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