Week Six, 2018
COMEBACKS FROM SETBACKS
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1
Every day we face obstacles and necessities, and we spend much of our time doing things that we must do, often things we would rather not do, again as often not doing things we wish to do. Yet we must try to do them in some way that is right, according to some standard of right that is both outside and above the details of our lives but also implicit in those details.
No matter how hard we try, sometimes we will make mistakes, big mistakes and little mistakes, all of which set us back. Sometimes we are the victim of things and events beyond our control that set us back. Our enemy will come against us simply because of our faith in the Lord. It is discouraging enough to face trouble because of a mistake you made, but what about the times when a storm hits you for no apparent reason?
The question is how we can turn those setbacks into comebacks. The Bible is full of people who had setbacks and made them into comebacks.
Consider Joseph. Through no sin or fault of his own, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and endured years of false imprisonment. At all times, Joseph maintained his integrity and his faith in God. Even while he was subjected to such injustice, God was preparing him for a great future.
Eventually, God caused Joseph to rise to prominence as the most powerful official in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. From this position, Joseph was instrumental in preserving the people of Egypt and the surrounding region, including his own family, through a time of great famine. When Joseph had the opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he chose forgiveness and mercy instead, understanding that all that had happened to him was God’s way of preparing him for his destiny. If Joseph made a comeback, you can too.
Job represents what is certainly one of the greatest comeback stories in all of Scripture. Job lost everything. In one day he lost his wealth, his health, and his family. All he had left was his faith in God, and that proved to be enough. God had allowed Satan to test Job’s faith and integrity to the very limit, and Job passed the test. What the devil meant for Job’s destruction, God turned to Job’s good.
Struggles come in all shapes and sizes – fears, addictions, persecution, and worries can all seem to take over our thoughts. God tells us that we will face trials, but that we should not lose hope! Be encouraged, God has called you an overcomer!
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Willie Taggart Lives His Dream:
Before making one of the most agonizing decisions of his 41-year-old existence, Willie Taggart sought lots of advice about leaving Oregon and going to FSU, but the most profound advice came from the oldest of his three kids. Will, a lanky 16-year-old who bears a stunning resemblance to his dad, approached Taggart and wife Taneshia as they were sitting on the sofa contemplating a move to Florida State after less than one calendar year in Eugene, Ore.
“Out of nowhere — I didn’t expect this — he said, ‘Dad, I know you’re struggling with this decision, and I know this is your dream job. You always tell me to chase my dreams and don’t let anyone get in the way of ’em. I don’t think it’s right for me or anyone else to stop you from chasing your dreams.’ And he said, ‘I don’t wanna leave, dad, but if you’re gonna chase your dream, I’m gonna ride with you.’ “
With that, Taggart said, he and Taneshia broke down.
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US life expectancy declines for a second straight year– “…more evidence of the toll the nation’s opioid crisis is exacting on younger and middle-aged Americans, experts said.”
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Reflecting on the past is healthy, but dwelling on it keeps you stuck in the past. Stay positive with a focus on the future. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is a mystery and that is why today is called “the present.”
A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes another’s.
Interruptions don’t produce character, they reveal it. Ken Whitten
The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything. Warren Buffett
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©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618