Overcoming Setbacks: Finding Strength in Hard Times

By

Desiree Future

Some time ago, I was told that things would be changing in my life for the better.  I had been going through a rough patch in my season. However, with the knowledge of change coming, I held onto that.

Throughout my ordeal, I kept the great news at the front of my mind. Sure, it has been hard, struggling every day, but knowing my greater was just around the corner kept me going.

There were many days when I wanted to cry because of the unbearable pain. I’ve had sleepless nights because of it. However, I knew it was just a matter of time before my gift would be here.

I pressed forward and continued to be the best version of me that I could. I prayed to God constantly for strength as this was surely a major battle. People looked at me strangely when I told them my story, asking how I could do it. The answer was simple, because of God.

Some people said they couldn’t do what I’ve done, others just shook their heads in astonishment. Here’s the thing: You never know the power you have until that’s all you have.

Months later, after receiving the awesome news, I was given an update.  What had been promised to me had fallen into a pitch-black, bottomless pit. My heart sank as far as the dark hole of what I was told.

After waiting and suffering for months, the wait was over. The promise of a gift to improve my livelihood had fallen flat like a failed souffle coming out of the oven. I could say that I felt disappointed; however, that would be a serious understatement.

Hearing the news was extremely hard for me, just like my everyday struggle. If I let my face resemble what I was feeling, it would have been in a thousand pieces like a puzzle. Just waiting for it to be put back together again. Various parts scattered everywhere, trying to make sense of things.

A day later, after the initial shock wore off, I had to regroup. There was no way I was accepting the “No”. I’ve always been the type of person who refuses to accept anything but “Yes.” As a child of God, I know when God closes one door, He opens a window.

I researched countless things to help me. One sounded good in my head, but after writing it down, it didn’t. Another was a great idea; however, that too was a bust. The third solution was far-fetched because it took twice as long, if not more than the others.

My final decision was to use the third remedy. It would take a lot more time to accomplish my tasks, but it was surely workable for me. It would be less of a hardship than my regular one, which mattered the most.

Now that the dust has settled and my situation is very different, I can breathe. I can take a deep breath in relief that my issues are done. You might wonder whether this was a setback when I received the bad news. Without a doubt, it was the worst after waiting and anticipating greatness.

What I discovered throughout this ordeal is that my failure was not failing. God was merely guiding me to something better. The thing I wanted the most was not what God wanted me to have. He gave me so much better.

I was blessed with the strength to be calm during my storm. God gifted me with the knowledge to research and locate other opportunities. Most importantly, He helped me to stand when I had fallen.

Life is not perfect, to say the least, but when you have God in your corner, He’s all you need.

Joshua 1:9 NIV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”