Caleb Walker

Have you ever faced a disappointing setback in your life? The job promotion didn’t work out. The relationship didn’t go the way you thought it would. The hopes you placed in some circumstance or person never panned out, and you faced a setback? How does God’s Word in Exodus 5 and 6 help us face setbacks.

1. Have a conversation with God.
2. Be reassured of God’s faithfulness to you through His Word.
3. Remember that God’s nature is both all-powerful over the setback and compassionate toward you in your setback.

     When we face one of life’s disappointing setbacks, we need to pause and have a conversation with God. It’s simple and something we would almost overlook in this passage; yet it’s crucial to take note of here. Moses and God have a conversation. Moses might have had expectations of a quicker release of the children of Israel thinking, “Ok, God, I’ll go with Aaron. But let’s make this quick. I don’t want to drag this out. I’ll go, but please make sure I’m not down in Egypt for a long time. I don’t want to deal with any grumbling from the disgruntled Israelites, any issues with Pharaoh, or any backlash from his soldiers and the slave drivers. I just want to get in, state Your case, and get out, and move on with my life.” Moses might have thought some-sort-of-variation of this when he headed on down to old Egypt where he grew up. The situation was completely different than any variation of these expectations.

     He was resisted on every turn. He was maligned by his own people, opposed vehemently by Pharaoh, and the process of seeing Israel set free would take much, much longer than he would have expected. In addition, he would spend an extended time leading the children of Israel for many years to come through the wilderness, over 40 years. So he took his woes and concerns to God, and God would minister to him in his disappointments. Aren’t you thankful that no matter what lies ahead, God will always see us through and minister to us in our setbacks! He listens. He cares. He hears the groans of our souls when facing a trial, and He is infinitely sufficient to comfort and lift us up. There’s not setback you face that God can’t handle.

     Be reassured of God’s faithfulness to You through His Word. God’s Word is the balm of healing and comfort and reassurance to our disappointed souls in the midst of life’s setbacks. God reminds us of who He is, how he relates to us, how He is leading us, and commits to take care of us according to His covenant faithfulness. In the midst of disappointing setbacks, feelings of being a failure and the like, these are the key and crucial times to run fully into God’s Word. It will strengthen and bolster your faith more than you could imagine. Don’t settle for the temporary, band aide “fixes” that don’t provide lasting help or might even accentuate the problem even worse. Run into the balm of Scripture and dwell in His presence. Leverage the tough setback as a way to grow in your personal closeness to God.

     Remember that God’s nature is both all-powerful over the setback and compassionate toward you in your setback. Setbacks are no surprise to God, but are couched and nestled in the peace-giving reality of His providential care. He orders your steps. So thank Him and let Him heal and comfort your soul and grow you in Christlikeness through the disappointment. Don’t run around frantically trying to fix it and do “damage control.” Rest in God and take that next step of Spirit-filled faith. Meditate on Paul’s heart in life’s setbacks, highs, and lows from Philippians 3:10.

How to Pray:

• Thank you for my setback; You’re in control.
• Here’s what I am dealing and struggling with right now God: ____________
• Let me be receptive to Your truth that You are faithful to me in this tough setback.
• Please show me Your omnipotence over this setback and comfort me with Your compassion and presence.