the silver lining behind every setback
the path you thought you were going to take vs the path God has in store for you.
Have you ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels, stuck in one place while the world keeps moving on around you?
It’s that sinking feeling of knowing you’re meant for more, but not being able to get there no matter how hard you try. You’re caught in a cycle of trying and failing, and it’s slowly wearing you down. This is what we call a setback -
A setback is like a detour or circumstance that slows down your progress or causes a delay.
It’s like a bump in the road that slows you down and throws off your plan. A setback can cause a lot of frustration, weariness and doubt. You start asking questions like:
“God when?”
- “When am I getting the job?”
- “When will I move to the new city?”
- “When is my situation changing?”
- “When will you answer my prayers?”
- “When will I get rewarded for my obedience?”
You start scrolling through social media and see people living the life you wish you had and it can be hard to not feel resentful or discouraged.
The success of others can sometimes feel like a slap in the face. It’s easy to start feeling like you’re the only one who’s not moving forward or achieving your goals. These feelings are normal, but they can make you miserable.
At the beginning of this year, I decided to drop out of law school to pursue my passion for music and being a creative. I was filled with so much hope and excitement. The plan was to move to a new city and start a new chapter in my life.
However, things didn’t go as planned. Unexpected obstacles forced me to move back home, and I have found myself feeling frustrated, disappointed, and directionless.
But it has also been the best time because it has gotten me closer to God. I’ve learned that delays can actually be a gift from God, leading me to something better than I could have ever imagined.
The reason we get so frustrated is because we want God to do things on our terms, even though He is the one who knows the full picture. We want Him to answer our prayers a certain way and do things a certain way. We’re basically limiting our God.
The Bible says in Isaiah 55:8 —
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
This verse reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
What this means is that God knows better than us. He knows our end from the beginning because He is the author and creator of our lives.
In Jeremiah 1:5 He says-
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.."
God knew you before you were even born. He had a plan for your life, even before you could comprehend it. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and lose sight of this truth.
But when we remember that God is by our side, guiding and directing our steps, we can find peace and contentment in knowing that we are right where we are supposed to be.
No one can fulfill the purpose God has for you, because it’s uniquely yours. So what might seem like a setback is actually God working behind the scenes in your life.
He causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28
The story of Joseph in the Bible is the perfect illustration of this. Joseph was betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers.
While in Egypt, he was falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned. But even though it seemed like his life was falling apart, God was working behind the scenes.
Joseph remained faithful and God used him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, which led to him being appointed as the second most powerful man in Egypt.
In this position, he was able to save his family and lead them to safety and abundance. The series of setbacks he faced were actually a divine setup by God to bring about His purposes.
What does God need you to do?
He wants you to chase after Him. Not the promotion, not the relationship, not the riches, not the things of this world —
"But Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" - Matthew 6:33.
All of your heart’s desires that are in alignment with His will for your life will be given to you. The right person, the right job, the right friends, all of the right things will find you, as long as you step into position and be who He called you to be.
What does seeking God first look like?
- Spending time in prayer and asking God for guidance.
- Reading the Bible and meditating on God’s Word.
- Using your gifts and talents to glorify God and help others.
- Staying connected to a community of believers who can support and encourage you.
- Living a life of integrity and honesty.
- Having a humble and thankful attitude, even in the midst of setbacks.
- Putting God’s will above your own desires and ambitions.
- Being still at all times.
Remember, God can use your setbacks as a setup for His glory. Even in the midst of hardship, there is always hope in Him. Trust that He is working all things together for your good, and watch as He does the impossible.
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xo, sparkles.✨
