We may fail at a new thing or even a few things, but that certainly does not make us a failure in life. I believe these temporary setbacks are part of life and we MUST experience them in order for us to ever be truly successful.
Extracted from the book "Never Give Up" by Joyce Meyer.
Reading this line from the book made me quite uncomfortable. Why must we experience temporary setbacks in order to truly be successful?
For some moment, it really didn't make sense to me. Just the way our faith in God is meant to be tried and questioned. Or worse even, why we face trials or setbacks even as children of God.
*****
John 16:33 AMP
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
It is amazing to know that Jesus didn't hide the truth from us. He didn't hide it from us that we are going to be faced with many trials and persecution.
But the question is why MUST we?
Isaiah 43:2 NLT
[2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Yet again,another verse assures us of trying situations. Situations where we might not feel God. Situations that are out to frustrate us.
But then again, Why MUST we? Isn't there a way not to?
Pause. Take a deep breath.
Dear friend, a good sailor is he that has mastered sailing on tempestuous sea. A good pilot is he that has learnt how to navigate through the most terrific climate condition. A good soldier is he who has learnt to fight many battles.
Without being tested or tried, the worth of a thing cannot be attested. Think of how gold passes through the fire. It is beaten severally just to get the perfect shape.
These setbacks, disappointments and failures are only there to equip us to become fully formed only if we allow them. We can either choose to be weighed down by them, or we can rather use them as stepping stones to greater height.
Remember;
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, had his own moment too. He had his moment when it felt as though God had abandoned Him. He could have given up, but upon remembrance of what great investment his suffering was, He crossed the finishing line by resting solely on His Father.
You too can!
You must understand that these setbacks are only "temporary" but what you do with them, changes the narrative.
James 1:2-4 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] SO LET IT GROW, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (emphasis mine)
WE HAVE HOPE!
God never promised us it would be easy, but He did promise to be with us through difficulties, to fight on our behalf, to strengthen us to overcome any obstacle we confront, and to give us the ability to overcome them only if we don't "bail out on Him too quickly"
He was with David
He was with Esther
He was with the Three Hebrew boys
He was with Apostle Paul and the other apostles.
He was with Jesus
He is with me, and yes, He is with YOU.
Apostle Paul had this testimony to share:
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
This can be your testimony too, only if you trust God through it all.
May you find grace to go through your situation in with joy, knowing that God is with you. Amen
© Precious Adeyi
Amen!
What a beautiful reminder
For the thoughts God has for us are of good and not of evil to give us an expected end. Hallelujah!