I can’t really think of many human beings out there that enjoy setbacks. I don’t. Personal setbacks normally mean that expectations were lowered, dreams crushed, or plans unraveled. It can mean embarrassment, frustration, confusion.
This past Sunday, we weren’t able to baptize people at the local hotel pool like we had originally planned because of an issue with the pool. The problem was that, after the baptisms on Sunday, I had told Connor that we would take him swimming. My son Connor, upon finding out that swimming was not in his Sunday plans, was very disappointed.
On the way home, I got an idea. I told Connor we’d go swimming at home! I got home, put on my swimming trunks, filled up the bathtub with tons of water and then Connor, Hunter, and I got to go “swimming” in the tub. The kids loved it! There was also something so spontaneous about it (which for those of you who know me, spontaneity isn’t one of my strong points). Then, after swimming, we made a blanket tent in the living room, turned the lights off, pulled out some glow sticks and ate popcorn and smores while reading stories as a family! It was awesome and the kids had a blast!
In reviewing the situation, Connor had experienced a setback. It wasn’t a job loss, an illness, or even a dream dying. But to him, at 3 years old, it qualified as an “official” setback. As Connor’s dad, I didn’t enjoy seeing him disappointed, so I did whatever was in power to turn this setback around into an amazing time of closeness as a family.
The life application here is that we have a heavenly Father that knows how to show us His love in more creative ways than earthly fathers can. God doesn’t enjoy seeing us suffer setbacks, even if He knows it was something that wouldn’t have been good for us anyways. Many times in the Bible we read how God has promised to always be there for us, especially in times of need and when we experience setbacks. Words like “I will never leave you or forsake you”, “God is a very present help in time of trouble”, and “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock” come to my mind. I know that there are others.
In times of setback, it is God’s desire, as our heavenly Father, to draw us close to Him so we can experience closeness/intimacy with Him. Just as I will always want to be there for my kids during their setbacks, God wants the same for us. I could totally picture Jesus, if He knew I was disappointed about not getting to go swimming, throwing on a pair of swimming trunks, finding a new location, and saying “Let’s go swimming together son!”.
Now picture yourself and any setbacks you have experienced. They hurt. You were surprised. Maybe it didn’t go how you planned. Picture Jesus. Picture Him wanting to wrap you in His arms as one of His kids. He WILL take care of you.
Rub-a-dub-dub,
Matt Legere
