Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Setback or Opportunity?



Setbacks – none of us are immune. The missed deadline. The unexpected illness. The loss of a job. Some setbacks are nothing more than minor inconveniences, while others rank up there on the Richter scale.

I remember the year my husband’s company merged two business units. Steve wasn’t interested in the position he was offered, so he voluntarily left the company. What we didn’t know at the time, was that it would be nine months before he’d find a suitable job. This setback touched many areas of our lives and launched us on a daily walk of faith.

During this same period of time, our pastor experienced a heart attack following a prolonged battle with diabetes. His untimely death was a huge setback for our congregation. A setback that once again called us to walk by faith.

Steve and two other men from our congregation were chosen to head up a pulpit committee to search for a new pastor. A difficult task. A task that would require much time and prayer. Because of his availability, Steve was able to devote his time to this all-important task. And the Lord knew exactly what He was doing. Within days of choosing a pastor, the Lord provided Steve with a new job.

I’m reminded of a setback in the life of the apostle Paul. He was put in prison for preaching the gospel. Talk about a major setback! It seemed his ministry was put on hold – what could he possibly accomplish while he was in jail? God had a plan.

Although his circumstances were far from ideal, Paul continued to trust Christ. Paul looked beyond his circumstances and continued to share the gospel with anyone who would listen – jailers and guards included. Paul’s focus? “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:21; KJV). The Lord also used this time to inspire Paul to write many of the epistles - books of the Bible he wouldn’t have had time to write while on the road.

When setbacks come, I want to respond like Paul – focusing on Christ instead of my circumstances. What about you? Do setbacks derail you from living the Christian life? What step will you take today to stay on the path of faith?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that setbacks often serve as interludes for me to refocus on you and your plan. Help me to learn from the example of Paul and stay devoted to  reaching others for you no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!







12 comments:

  1. What encouraging words! Setbacks are indeed opportunities.

    ~Debbie

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    1. Hi Debbie! It's all a matter of perspective, right?! Have a wonderful week - God bless!

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  2. Hi, Maria:

    Setbacks can throw us for a loop. They test so many areas of our lives, including our patience and trust.

    Like you, when life throws me curve balls, I remind myself that God has a plan for each of us. We may not be able to see God working in our lives at the moment, but we will in hindsight when things work out.

    The story about Paul giving light to his oppressors is one of my favorites in Scripture! Be well...

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    1. Great to see you, Janette! It always amazes me to look back over life's trials and see how God used circumstances and difficult situations to prepare me for future service. And I agree - Paul is quite an inspiration. Have a blessed week!

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  3. Years ago, I heard a pastor say that setbacks were merely stepping stones to victory. That, and the rest of his message stuck with me, and now when I hear something about setbacks, I get this mental image of stepping stones. :) Thank you for sharing this. All our steps take us where we are destined to go.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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    1. Love this visual, Karen! Stepping stones to victory - I like that! Very comforting to know that we can be victorious. Thanks for sharing. Hugs & blessings!

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  4. Looking back and seeing God's hand in what I thought was a setback increases my faith. Thanks for sharing and reminding me that all things do work together for good . . .

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    1. Absolutely, Ann! When we think of all things working together for good - we imagine things working out the way we want them to. But God's plan is to use everything, setbacks included, to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29)! Have a blessed weekend!

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  5. So true. In things that we often see as setbacks or discouragements, God has a greater plan, and He will carry it to fruition in His time. Sometimes it's hard to see that until after the fact! It is hard not to worry or become impatient as we frantically search for answers, when sometimes we are simply called to wait. Not to sit around, but to watch and prepare for when God does call us to move in the opportunity that He's created.

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    1. Welcome to Life Lessons! Appreciate your insightful comment. I can definitely relate to becoming impatient when things don't happen in my time frame. And you're absolutely right that the 'waiting' periods are times we can use to prepare ourselves for when God opens the door of opportunity! Thanks again for stopping by! God bless!

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  6. It's all about attitude, isn't it? We have a choice to either trust God or complain/be fearful.

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    1. Hi Susan! Free will is a blessing - but oftentimes it gets me in trouble. Glad for God's mercy when I fail to make the right choices. Have a beautiful weekend!

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