This is a season of setback. Because of the economic recession, many are suffering reverses. Job losses, bankruptcy, foreclosures, devalued investments, home equity shrinkage and on and on it goes.

Have you had a setback? You are not alone. But, there is good news. Your setback need not be your downfall. In fact, your setback may be a setup for your comeback.

A setback is a temporary hindrance. They are a part of living. From the beginning of life, babies stumble and fall as they learn to walk. But, they do eventually walk. So, falling down is not failure. Failure is falling down and not getting back up and trying again. You know the saying “If at first you don’t succeed …”

Embrace your setback. It is a pivotal moment. Ask yourself: Is it time for a career change? Should I go back to school? Are there opportunities in this crisis? There always are. The Great Depression was a time of unprecedented inventiveness. The washing machine, electric dry razor, car radio, the supermarket, the Laundromat, tampons, chocolate chip cookies, Monopoly and xerography were all invented during that era. This current economic downturn could be a setup for your greatest achievement. So, don’t sit around whining about your situation. Instead, use that energy to look for your next opportunity. Hold on to your faith as you trust God to bring you through.

And keep serving others. Regarding that, the Bible has great counsel for Christians in Galatians 6:9. Paul said: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” It’s the law of sowing and reaping and it never fails. As you persevere in doing good things for others in the midst of your own time of neediness, you will reap a reward in “due season.”  So, don’t lose heart. It’s only a setback. The setup is on. Your comeback is assured.

Eli Williams