How God Turns Setbacks Into ComebacksSample

Setbacks Can’t Derail God’s Purpose

Sometimes a setback is rooted in your own actions or choices. You made a mistake. You did something that hurt another person. You disobeyed God.

And now you’re facing a storm because of it.

But often, the storms we face in life aren’t because of something we did. Instead, we suffer because of other people’s poor decisions—or even their sins.

Acts 27 gives us a dramatic example of suffering a setback because of the foolish choices of others. Paul had been unfairly put on trial for crimes he didn’t commit. He was a Roman citizen, so he had the opportunity to appeal to Caesar in capital-offense cases.

On the prison ship heading toward Rome, Paul told the others that they were headed toward disaster. But no one listened, and they soon hit a terrible storm.

But the storm didn’t sidetrack God’s purpose for Paul—and a storm doesn’t have to sidetrack God’s purpose for you, either.

God’s purpose for your life is greater than any setback you’ll ever go through. An angel told Paul: “Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you” (Acts 27:24 NLT).

God doesn’t need a Plan B for your life. Hitting a setback—whether it’s caused by you or someone else—doesn’t mean God won’t work through your life. When disaster hits, God just fits it into his plans.

When someone else’s decision turns your life upside down, God uses it for his glory.

 When someone else’s mistake puts you in a difficult situation, God works through it anyway.

When you feel like you’ve lost everything, look for God to do the impossible.

Talk It Over

Has someone else ever caused a setback for you?

How have you seen God work out his purposes in the midst of storms in your life?

Why is it sometimes tough to recognize how God is working in the midst of difficult times?

This devotional © 2019 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.