When things in life seem to set us back, it’s easy to feel depressed. As soon as things look like they are getting better, something always happens that turns if from good to worse. As much as you want to try and stay positive, how can you when so many negative things keep unfolding?
Believers, let me remind you how The Lord, your God works. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [1 Peter 5:10].” Sufferings is a part of life. It is what it is. Although you do not have control over situations, you do have control over your thoughts and actions. Suffering produces endurance, endurance builds character and character brings hope [Romans 5:3-5]. Hope is necessary when going through struggles because it is your faith that will help you to overcome.
The apostle James, reminds us to count it all joy, when we are faced with trials of various kinds, because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing [James 1:2-8]. James tells us to find joy in suffering because suffering shows that we are moving into a new season of life. Without sufferings, life will be stagnant. You will never move up because you are not moving at all, without sufferings. So, embrace the setbacks and make them setups because you know God is working for the greater good in your life!
It’s all about perspective, do you look at suffering as a setback or a setup? When you rely on faith and understand favor, you will begin to see things from God’s perspective. You will know that there is a season for sorrow and a season for joy. You will be able to SmileWithFaith in the midst of the storm because you know that God has a plan for your life. Plans for you to succeed and not to fail. Plans for you to prosper and not stay in your comfort zone. Allow God to guide your steps and pray that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Without suffering, you will not be able to have the experience needed to fulfill your purpose. Everything happens for a reason and by keeping your faith first, you will be able to see every setback as a setup!
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. -Romans 12:12
I feel that way right now its like one thing after another, from a disabled blond father, to my daughter, to school work, and my job. Seems as if everything is going down to be positive is a state of mind, while everything around me continues to fall apart. I know trouble doesn’t last long nor does happiness, feel I’ve had more downs than ups. Me being who I am I’ll continue to strive for success no matter how difficult my life may seem.