15 Dec From Here (How to turn your setback into a comeback) part 3
Over the past few weeks we have been in the series “From Here” (How to turn your setback into a comeback).
We learned that the Bible tells us a very simple but profound truth, “Rejoice evermore” (I Thes. 5:16). The Greek word “evermore” means “from this point on”. In every day language, this powerful verse tells us to live our lives from here! I have decided a long time ago I’m not going to get bitter…I’m going to get better. This negative situation is not going to be a tombstone, but a stepping stone. I’m going to turn this setback into a comeback. I’m going to live my life from here!
We began by sharing “13 Facets to Live a Constructive Life…From Here”:
- Part from Pity (Phil. 2:14).
This week we continue with…
2. Never let your tragedy become your identity (Mark 5:26).
This culture has a tragedy mentality. We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when those planes flew into the Twin Towers on 9-1-1. I’ve met people whose entire life revolved around their divorce or a car wreck.
Remember these “Three Tragedy Truths”:
- You’ll never fully live if your life revolves around death. Here at Joy Church we have a precious family who experienced a hit and run car tragedy. This special couple was minding their own business when they were rammed by a car that killed the husband and seriously injured the wife. This woman’s husband died violently right before her eyes and it took her months to recover. I watched this courageous woman decide this was not going to be a setback. It was going to be a comeback. A few months ago she was walking out of Joy Church with a membership packet in her hand, a tear in her eyes, with determination in her voice. She told me, “I must join the church and make my life count for God…I must move on.” Today she is working in the church and attending World Changers Bible Institute, and joy has returned to her life!
The Bible tells us in Psalm 126:6, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Many people after experiencing some sort of death or tragedy, encounter people who do not know how to respond. There is a phrase in the aforementioned verse that truly gives us a great Biblical balance. “…he that goeth forth weeping…”. There is certainly nothing wrong with crying after a tragedy (see Romans 12:15). However the key is going forth! Any sadness that keeps you from “going forth” in life is an unhealthy emotion and must be resisted.
Join us next week as we continue with our series…