SEPTEMBER 24, 2015
The Upside of Setbacks
Wait
for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27:14
Read:
Psalm 27
American swimmer Dara
Torres had a remarkable career, appearing in five different Olympics from 1984
to 2008. Late in her career, Torres broke the US record for the 50-meter
freestyle—25 years after she herself set that record. But it wasn’t always
medals and records. Torres also encountered obstacles in her athletic career:
injuries, surgery, as well as being almost twice the age of most other
competitors. She said, “I’ve wanted to win at everything, every day, since I
was a kid. . . . I’m also aware that setbacks have an upside; they fuel new
dreams.”
“Setbacks have an
upside” is a great life lesson. Torres’s struggles motivated her to reach for
new heights. They have a spiritual benefit too. As James said, “Consider it
pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that
the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
Adopting this
perspective on the difficulties of life is not easy, but it is worthwhile.
Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They also
provide the opening to learn lessons that success cannot teach by developing in
us the kind of patience that waits on God and trusts Him for the strength to
endure.
The psalmist reminds
us, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps.
27:14).
In my times of trial,
dear Lord, teach me to wait for You. But please teach me even more to trust the
love You have for me. And as I do, may I learn Your wisdom and have the
patience to endure.
The setbacks of life can teach us to wait upon the Lord for
His help and strength.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2015