“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Have you recently experienced a setback?  

No matter how carefully we plan, disappointing delays, unexpected obstacles, and tough challenges will occur. These inconvenient hindrances thwart our plans, often leading to additional pain and stress. They force us to rearrange and adjust our lives due to their unwelcome and unforeseen arrivals.

Setbacks will happen, but we don’t have to succumb to their debilitating effects. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV) This verse reminds us that we don’t have to fear or be alarmed by our circumstances, nor do we have to face them by ourselves. God is with us every second of every day; he is our help when we are dismayed.

As our key verse reminds us, we can bring our worries to God because cares for us. When setbacks come, we can trust God to help and comfort us in times of disappointment and heartache, to give us strength and hold us up when we’re weary, and to supply us with his peace when we’re anxiously overwhelmed by our situation. 

Our plans and circumstances may change, but God never does. (Malachi 3:6) He is still in control, and his plans are good. (Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28) If we hold on to these truths and place our trust in the Lord, we can victoriously endure and move forward when things don’t turn out as we hoped. 

Prayer:

Lord, you are a good and gracious God who helps his people when they’re in trouble. Your word tells me I don’t need to be dismayed or fearful because you are with me. (Isaiah 41:10) Although I don’t understand why setbacks happen, I put my trust in you, Lord. I thank you that I can come to you for strength, comfort, and peace when I’m anxious about my situation. Lord, I thank you that you never change and are always with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Additional Scriptures to Read:
Proverbs 19:21
Malachi 3:6
Romans 8:28

---