How can we conquer setbacks and hardships that come at us? We just started 2019 and many of you made goals and plans. Many of you have already failed on all accounts but let me tell you this…
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill
I’ve been very stressed with work-related issues recently. A wise woman (my Mom) encouraged me one day and said: “remember this only temporary” and she was right. It’s important to understand that we go through different seasons in life and no season is ever permanent. No matter what we face, it takes courage to conquering obstacles.
The definition of the word conquer means to “gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles or opposition” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). We don’t realize that other things are actually defeating us sometimes until it’s too late. It’s time to take back the reins of our lives and conquer it!
The key to success in the midst of setbacks is PERSISTENCE. We don’t just give up and call ourselves failures. We fail forward and strive onward. Life can be relentless and keep throwing hiccups in our plans but we must never give up!
Why do we go through setbacks and tough times?
Setbacks and hardships are just apart of life. This is what refines our character and gives us a deeper spiritual awareness we would’ve never known before. It also gives us a platform to help others going through similar trials we’ve experienced.
Growing up, trials felt like hell on earth, can you relate? Hindsight is 20/20 now and looking back I understand the good things that came out of it. When you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to see past the moment you’re in and see a light at the end of the tunnel. Hold on, because there is!
Call me crazy but I now look at setbacks as an opportunity. An opportunity to grow and to help others. To persevere instead of shrink back against resistance. Good can come from even the worst of things. To name a few good things that came from my life experiences…
- I can now help other people who have suffered the tremendous loss of a loved one.
- I can help those who grew up in an abusive environment.
- I can help those who suffered career-ending sports injuries.
- I can help those whose family went through a divorce.
- I can help those who have deep-seated anger towards others.
Promises from Scriptures
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NASB
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NASB
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“Testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:3-4 NASB
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
A Prayer For You
Lord Jesus, I don’t like what I’m going through right now and I don’t understand it. Please help me to learn and continue growing. I want to become the person you created me to be. Give me strength to do all things You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Stay hopeful!
