Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24


THE UPSIDE OF SETBACKS

READ:
Psalm 27:14
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Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take
heart and wait for
the LORD.
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American swimmer Dara Torres had a remarkable career, appearing in five different Olympics from 1984 to 2008. Late in her career, Torres broke the US record for the 50-meter freestyle__25 years after she herself set that record. But it wasn't always medals and records Torres also encountered obstacles in her athletic career: injuries, surgery, as well as being almost twice the age of most other competitors. She said, "I've wanted to win at everything, every day, since I was a kid....I'm also aware that setbacks have an upside; they fuel new dreams."

"Setbacks have an upside" is a great life lesson. Torre's struggles motivated her to reach for new heights. They have spiritual benefit too. As James said, "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance: (JAMES 1:2-3).

Adopting this perspective on the difficulties of life is not easy, but it is worthwhile. Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They also provide the opening to learn lessons that success cannot teach by developing in us the kind of patience that waits on God and trusts him for the strength to endure.

The psalmist reminds us, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Ps. 27:14).
___Bill Crowder

**In my times of trial, dear Lord, teach me to wait for You.
But please teach me even more to trust the love You have for me.
And as I do, may I learn Your wisdom and have the patience to endure.
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The setbacks of life can teach us to wait upon the Lord for His
help and strength.

*****************************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 27*******************************
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation__whom shall I
fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life__of whom
shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me to devour
me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though
war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I
may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to
gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in his dwelling:
He will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me
high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who
surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of
joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and
answer me. 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face,
LORD, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn
your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not
reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. 10 Though my father
and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. 11 Teach
me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my
oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious
accusations.

13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the
LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong
and take heart and wait for the LORD.