Overcoming and Navigating Setbacks

Life throws us curveballs at times. Our human nature is to create plans, dream, and envision how we want our life to be lived. However, life does not work that way. It throws stumbling blocks and speed bumps in our path that slow us down on our personally created pathway. There are times in life when we face more than just a speed bump. There are periods when we are given roadblocks, or even mountains, in our road and cause us to detour. It is during these times we wonder what went wrong, where is God, or we question why God would allow such a thing. It is possible that Joseph felt the same way.

“They (Joseph’s brothers) saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. They said to one another, ‘Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild beast has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.’” (Gen. 37:18-19)

“Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” (Gen. 37:27)

Perhaps the roadblock involves unemployment, loss of a loved one, or betrayal by a family member. Joseph, at the age of seventeen, experienced jealousy and betrayal by his own brothers. Joseph’s belief about his future, I would imagine, did not include being thrown into a pit and sold to the Ishmaelites. Joseph went from being an obedient son to being tossed into a pit like garbage. He went from being sold as a possession to being a trusted servant of Pharoah. Then, he faced more obstacles as he went from being trusted by Pharoah to thrown in prison. The time came, however, where once again blessings poured over him and he was raised to the highest status possible in Egypt (apart from Pharoah himself).

It was this roller coaster of setbacks and successes that likely left Joseph questioning where his life would end up next. Despite the dreams of success and authority he had as a child, Joseph perhaps never envisioned the betrayals and problems that would eventually lead him to save countless lives – including those of his own family.

We could learn a lot, and be encouraged, through the story of Joseph and his family. The Lord is always working for our good. His work includes things we perceive as setbacks. Our hindrances are nothing but steppingstones for God’s blessings.

“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren.” (Romans 8:28-29)

It does not matter what the mountain is that has caused you to detour your life's plans. God is always working toward your good. All you have to do is trust Him and wait on Him to clear the path.