This article by Sister Darlene Ignagni is the last in a four-part series on facing setbacks in your life.
And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
I have been reflecting on what the Lord put on my heart when preparing this month’s blog column. The focus has been on setbacks and how we react to them.
Are we allowing these moments of personal struggle to be a time for us to refocus on our purpose and reset our goals and intentions?
Do we endeavor to remind ourselves that this momentary struggle need not be a monumental challenge?
What if our efforts, and prayers, and planning, and labors bring us a different outcome—even something we didn’t expect?
God’s word is clear.
If we believe in His promises, then we must trust in His process and in His plan for us.
Surrendering our will to His means we must understand that both the journey and the destination may not look like what we had planned for ourselves. Yet, can there be a greater outcome than the one He has planned for us?
Remember that ALL things work together for good to those that love Him. Not some. ALL. So in the failures, the challenges, the loss, and the hurt, we would be better served to ask the question of “WHAT” not “why.”
What do you want me to learn, to see, to do, to focus on, Lord?
We should reframe our setbacks as opportunities for us to set aside our plans and give place for God’s plan for our lives.
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
How About You? How has God used “all things” to bring good into your life in the past? How is He doing it right now?
Editor’s Note: We want to say a big thank you to Sister Darlene for being our guest author this month! Did you enjoy this column? Then take a moment to drop Sister Darlene a comment to let her know. Next month, we’re bringing you a new column written by the Lake Worth Young People!
This article has undergone ministry review and approval.
Thank you for the series Sister Darlene. Made me realize all the good things that have worked out for me in a way I didn’t understand then but understand now. GOD Bless You!!!
Sister Darlene- I really enjoyed your series, very relatable. Thank you for sharing. I had never heard that song Blessings before. It is beautiful and the perfect ending for your series.
I love the “what” not “why”. Great concept to always remember
Sister Darlene – Thank you and Thank God for the inspiring words of encouragement.
I enjoyed your series for the month. Look forward to many more!
Dear Sister Darlene,
Loved, loved, loved your series. It was a wonderful reminder that God is in control in every situation in our lives, the successes and the setbacks. One of the many things that I have learned this past year of the pandemic, is that God knows me by my name. I find such comfort in knowing that and that He has my best interest at heart. I just have to trust Him, and I do.
Thank you and God bless.
Much love,
Sister Doreen
Love You and the mini series! ❤️😊 Sister Darlene, I am so glad God has blessed me and others by your topic. I love the blessings by Laura story as well. God bless you!
So enjoyed your articles dear Sister & needed it most this month. Gods perfect timing. Praising God for your gift of writing & him using you to share his message. God is sooo good to us all.
Dear Sister, I enjoyed all of the articles and it seemed that each one concerned one of my favorite verses. God is always in the matter. No matter how dark the circumstance, He has a greater purpose for all of it.
Beautiful!!