Wisdom Within Our Setbacks

So, teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12 (NASB)

I have had adages running through my mind; “Bloom where you are planted” with the word “Setback” and “Take two steps forward and three steps back” and “I can’t ever seem to get ahead.” These all describe how I am feeling, as I ask myself, "What does the Lord want me to learn through this journey and teach my daughter as she experiences the same things?"

The Lord reminded me of Joseph who was sold by his brothers to the Midianites who then sold him to Potiphar, the captain of the bodyguard for Pharaoh (Genesis 37). Joseph served Potiphar and prospered, then was wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned. God was with Joseph as a servant in the house of Potiphar and in prison. (Genesis 39) He was released from prison after a lengthy stay to serve as second in command to Pharoah.

Joseph used the wisdom God had given him while with his family through his training and dreams as well as his time in Potiphar’s house, prison, and second to Pharoah. I can only imagine the thoughts of Joseph as he transitioned from his father’s favorite son to slave, to prisoner, and to look back and see that God’s plan for him, his family and his people was fulfilled as he endured the unthinkable (Genesis 37:5-11).

I don’t see what is ahead. I don’t have the answers now as to why illness keeps holding my daughter back when she starts branching out. But I do know that the Lord has given me the capability to care for her at this time and that He is with us and comforts us with His word.

Let the favor of the Lord be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands. - Psalm 90:17 (NASB)

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)

Joseph waited years before he witnessed the fruition of the dreams he shared with his family. In the process of the wait he stayed steadfast and immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord in the most trying of circumstances.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You allow us to see into the life of Joseph and how his setbacks were used for him to share his heart of wisdom. May You encourage us in the times when our path seems to hit roadblocks and detours. May You teach us to be immovable and steadfast as we share You with others and journey together in any situation.

This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.