A setback is a setup for a comeback!

“A setback is a setup for a comeback!”
-Willie Jolley

Today, I want to share some notes with you about setbacks. We often think of setbacks as being obstacles on our paths to success, but I submit that setbacks are blessings & opportunities in disguise. When people tell me of hardships they’re facing or problems they’re having, I’m always excited for them. I say “Congratulations” and they look at me like I’m off my rocker. But here’s the secret: a setback is always a setup for a comeback for a child of God.

God is in the business of prospering His children. We see countless promises in the Bible – a comforting word that God will provide, a thought about the pointless nature of worrying, the tenet that everything works to the good of those who love God. There should be no doubt in our minds that God is always prospering us…so why do we allow fear, anxiety, and depression to steal our joy?

Part of the problem is that we don’t truly understand the blessing in the storm. Take a moment to think back on the darkest nights and most difficult seasons in your life. As we go through a storm, we sometimes struggle to find meaning in the hardship. However, the purpose and value of the struggle is usually revealed long after the difficult time has passed. Over time, God’s unfailing love for us should build our faith muscle – it should be a reminder that His timing and His ways are perfect and that if we just keep going and trust Him, we’ll be blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

Jimmy Dean says, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” The other part of the problem is that we insist on having control. We want to give God part of the problem and keep the rest to ourselves to worry and brood over. But God is infinite! How silly of us to continually weigh our minds down with the cares of the world when God has promised us that He would never leave or forsake us. When we find ourselves drifting off course, we can “adjust our sails” so that we can reach our destinations. God gives wisdom generously to those who ask so in seeking Him and His will for our lives, we can use the bricks of hardship to build the foundation of our victory.

There’s silver lining to every cloud of doubt – it’s up to us to find it! If you’re facing tough times, fret not! In fact, celebrate and praise God because something amazing is on the way. Your breakthrough starts with you!

© 2009, Lisa Nicole Bell