“…LORD GOD of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.” 1 Kings 8:23

Setbacks

I recall a saying that my son shared with me one time when I was experiencing heartache from a painful divorce that extremely affected our family. He said to me, ”What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, right Mom?” I’ve pondered that saying many times during setbacks on my journey in this life. I refer to hardships as setbacks. Some experiences are sudden, and some may be prolonged for many years.

I’ve learned to trust God when facing hard times, because I’ve learned that setbacks are all a part of His plan for my life. He allows us to go through these experiences not only so that we can become stronger as individuals, but most importantly, so that we can learn more of Who Jesus is and experience His power, direction, and love for us. He’s growing us little by little into His image so that He can use us to do something greater in our lives, and to accomplish much more than we ever thought possible—all for His purpose and His glory.

If I choose to set my heart and mind on this concept, I then can joyfully go through my trials, be thankful, and experience Jesus at work in my life. But when I forget to set my heart and mind on this truth, I allow myself to be consumed in the pain of my present trials, and then I experience misery or bitterness. When I make the latter choice, I will lose sight of my purpose and journey on this earth and Who Jesus is, and then my days are enveloped with “all about me”, instead of  “all about Him.”

Today, I’m so grateful to have experienced a setback from the Carr Fire which occurred exactly one year ago from the date of this writing. I now sit in another backyard enjoying the beauty that surrounds me, yet all the while being reminded of that day as I look upward across the hill to where my home once stood. Yes, it was a setback for a season, but I am blessed—nothing can take away the love of my Lord, and the love and support from family, friends, church, and our community during that setback. My heart explodes with thankfulness! I have experienced God’s love for me more than ever, and I love Him more each day! He is faithful to His people.

“Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness to us. We love You with all of our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”