Joy at the Beginning
If you’re like me, there is such a rush you get when you start out on a new project or venture. Everything is exciting, you’re meeting deadlines with enthusiasm and gladness. You can see the end of this project and how it’s going to change the world. People’s lives will be better off because of what you are doing.
Then a setback happens. It catches us a little off guard, so we might miss a deadline. We feel bad, but our exuberance carries us through and we continue the journey. Then another setback. Now we’re a little concerned that maybe we missed something. This is not going as well as we thought. Doubt begins to creep in.
The Cycle
The cycle can continue where we are doing well and have victories, but then setbacks occur. For many people these setbacks become so overwhelming that all they can think about is the next setback that will happen. There is another way.
We don’t have to let life’s setbacks overtake us. Here are three ways that we can get past the setbacks.
Our Minds
1. Renewing our mind. For me, this is why prayer is important. Starting the day out by focusing my mind on what God says about me, rather than immediately thinking about the setback. Putting my mind on what God says allows me to approach each day with a fresh mindset.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Stress
2. Give the stress of the setback to God. It’s amazing how something like stress that is mental and psychological, can damage our physical bodies. This is because we are not meant to carry the weight and the stress of situations. We must give those things to God and then not take them back from Him.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Peace from God
3. Ask God for peace. God will give us peace. Peace that will keep our hearts and minds. In exchange for us giving Him our stress and problems, He gives us peace. So, we should continue to give those things to Him. Our minds will try to take them back and want to think about them. That is taking it back from God. Trust God. He can handle whatever our situation is.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We don’t have to let the setbacks in life overtake us. God has a different plan for us. Let’s trust Him today. How has God helped you through life’s setbacks?
