The Upside/Downside of Setbacks

After preparing for my final semester at Costaatt, I failed one of my courses. I have never failed a course outright before, and it broke my heart. I pleaded with the institution to reconsider failing me, because the differential in my grade was just 1.5 per cent. They bluntly refused, and I had to redo the entire course.

To add insult to injury, the course was removed as a prerequisite for my major. The Dean and the Chair of the department were unmoved. I asked God why. I had worked so hard; I was almost finished. 

What happens when God says no? I encouraged myself by remembering that God always has a plan, and in the past he always rewarded my faith in him.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. —Psalm 27:14

American swimmer Dara Torres had a remarkable career, appearing in five different Olympics from 1984 to 2008. Late in her career, Torres broke the US record for the 50-meter freestyle—25 years after she herself set that record.

But it wasn’t always medals and records. Torres also encountered obstacles in her athletic career: injuries, surgery, as well as being almost twice the age of most other competitors. She said, “I’m also aware that setbacks have an upside; they fuel new dreams.”

That setbacks have an upside is a great life lesson. Torres’s struggles motivated her to reach for new heights. We are instructed by the Word of God that setbacks also have a spiritual benefit as well.

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Adopting this perspective on the difficulties of life is not easy, but it is worthwhile. Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They also provide the opening to learn lessons that success cannot teach by developing in us the kind of patience that waits on God and trusts Him for the strength to endure.

The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

The setbacks of life can teach us to wait upon the Lord for His help and strength.