TURN YOUR SETBACK INTO A COMEBACK

We all have setbacks, but how do some people bounce back so quickly?

I had three different past coaching clients call me over the last week, partly checking in, but more so with a heart to let me know how grateful they were for God’s help. All three showed such discipline while under trial. Regardless, it had left me grateful and reflective of God’s great work at hand. I want to share how each of them thrived through the challenge in their own unique way, yet all three share one thing in common… Leaning into their faith.

Here’s a highlight of how these folks leaned into their faith during setbacks as disciplined followers of Christ.

CLING TO GOD:  (This individual experienced a setback from failing to do something he should have, he humbly admitted he was now due to pay the price.) Well, yes. We know there is a cause, and effect for every action. But, if we insist on doing this world on our own, not with God, then we are stuck taking care of our messes alone too. If we partner with God, even as we screw up, we can be assured of Gods help, when we need it. This individual confessed his wrongdoing, earnestly called on God, and found himself joyfully baffled at God’s responsiveness to his humble request for his wrongful action.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

SEEK HIM: (This setback had to do with a wife/mother being totally caught off guard by a family problem.) She, too, went straight to the Word for direction. She found that the Holy Spirit guided her on how to proceed in a loving way, to someone who really didn’t ‘deserve’ it. A normal and worldly response of hostility and defiance would have been justified by today’s standards. But, she no longer desires to live by the world’s standards. As the Holy Spirit guided her to move forward in a way that was pleasing to God, she received a second gift of affirmation and increased faith. This is how faith increases. As we seek God, step into our faith, look for the Triune’s responsiveness, and give Him the glory, we find ourselves ready to call on Him quicker and with deeper submission next time around.

John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

STAY ALERT: (This individual’s setback came with a familiar twinge of jealousy. Someone she knew, and truly cared about, seemed to get all the breaks while she was simply feeling left behind.) She recognized this familiar response of self-doubt and deflation but also recognized it as wrong, and called on God.) She shared with me how she knew GOD LOVED HER, and that He also had great plans for her. She said normally she’d have been so focused on how she was falling behind, or how the other person was so gifted that she most likely missed all kinds of ways to advance herself. She told me how she prayed with all her might for God to show her the plans he has for her, and to give her patience and focus on all things good, her future being one of them. The very next day she got a job interview for a job far better than the one she’d originally wanted.

Revelation 3:8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

When we land in setbacks… Let’s cling to God, seek Him earnestly, and stay alert for his direction and guidance!

Faith Infused Living… Reaches Goals Higher!

Niccie Kliegl CLC, RN