October 13, 2023
IN THE MIDST OF SETBACKS
Grant Arends
Volunteer, Colorado
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4: 6-7
With 20+ days of field work, there are going to be inevitable setbacks. Through the grace of God, most if not all will be minor and perhaps even comical upon reflection.
Like the time I ripped off the bumper of the truck. Or the time I drove into a pothole so big that it took 10 volunteers to get the truck out of that hole. I won a t-shirt from Mr. Logan on both occasions providing great laughs for all.
But there were also the two days I was so sick I couldn’t get out of bed in Chitipa. Or the time when our lodging was taken by government officials and we had no choice but to sleep in the back of a bar. I knew this was a serious situation when our Field Officer was scared and instructed us to put all our belongings against the door.
Whether it was a lighthearted situation or a time that was simply quite frightening, I found peace through prayer and scripture. The Apostle Paul writes that we should not be anxious but rather by prayer and petition WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. Doing so will be peace which transcends all understanding…
Jesus’s disciples experienced the ultimate setback on the Friday that they thought their Lord was lost to them forever hanging from the cross. And then came Sunday. The story of Easter is the ultimate example of overcoming a setback and proves beyond doubt that “the worst day is never the last day.” All of us WILL have a setback of some kind during our time in the field. WHEN that setback occurs remember that God is with you. He will provide you with the strength you need to deal with whatever the situation is.
Application Question: How will I respond to setbacks in my life?
Prayer: Father God – I know that I’m going to get stressed out at some point during my time in the field. During that time, help me remember that You are there. Help me to be calm; to go to You in prayer; and give me strength to overcome the obstacle in my path. Help me remember Your resurrection and that the worst day is NEVER the last day. In Your name we pray. Amen
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