How to turn your setbacks into a comeback

A happy working woman. (Courtesy/istockphoto)

A setback is something that happens that delays or prevents a process from continuing or stops progress. A comeback is a return to an earlier or better and favourable position or condition. One can experience different setbacks - financial, relationships, job and career, personal, emotional or spiritual. Setbacks can drain you emotionally until you run out of energy and reserves and you start wondering what to do next.

Just a few years ago, the world faced a serious and an unprecedented set back with the Covid-19 pandemic that altered daily lives in ways that no one has ever thought or imagined. One of the effects of the pandemic was an economic slow-down and loss of livelihoods. Peoples’ lives were disrupted; turned upside down and there is so much pain, which has left many wondering, “Where is God in this nightmare unfolding before us?”

The story of Prophet Elijah in the bible gives some thoughts on how to turn a setback into a comeback. Elijah did twice as many miracles as compared to any other prophet of his time, but he suffered a serious set back. You can be called and anointed by God like Elijah, but since you are human, you suffer many setbacks. You are susceptible to the same troubles, temptations, ups and downs, moods experienced in the pilgrim of life.

Israel was going through a hard time in the reign of the wicked King Ahab and his equally evil wife called Jezebel. The nation had fallen into moral decadence; turned away from God to worship false gods - Baal and other idols; and even sacrificed their own children to these gods. Even after winning a contest of who was real between the prophets of Baal and his God, Elijah still ran away from Jezebel into the wilderness, because she threatened to have him killed like the other prophets.

The signs to watch out for when faced with a setback, include- fear creeps into your life, Elijah was fearful of King Ahab and Jezebel. You flee or run away from relationships, responsibility- family, friends; he ran away into the wilderness. You cut out of relationships; he left behind his family, co-prophets, friends and followers. You make impulsive, irrational or foolish decisions; he walked aimlessly the whole day in the wrong direction.

You push yourself beyond your physical limits; he walked for so long until he collapsed in exhaustion under the shade of the broom tree. Your works seem pointless and meaningless. What you put in and what you get out of it is not commensurate and it feels meaningless and a total waste of your time. You develop suicidal thoughts. Elijah said; “It is enough! Now Lord take my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (1st Kings 19:4).

You complain about everything; Elijah tells God that he has had enough of the ministry and at the end of it all, you feel isolated and attacked, then you start exaggerating things. Elijah said he was the only one left, going through hard times, being attacked and whose life had been destroyed. He exaggerated the situation by claiming that he was the only prophet who had not bowed to Baal - yet there were other 7,000.

You compare yourself with others and begin to think about death. He compared himself with his forefathers and he prayed that he may die. Every time you compare yourself with others, you depreciate in value because there will always be someone better than you. You burn out before your time. The bible says that it is foolish to compare yourself with others.

To turn a set back into a comeback you need to re-energise yourself. First, take a rest to be refreshed, renewed, refilled, restored and to relax. God had to cause Elijah to sleep so that he can rest then eat. Secondly, voice your frustration (in slang ‘vent’) by telling God exactly what you feel. Elijah tells God, “I am afraid, lonely, worried and depressed.” Lastly, remember and refocus on God instead of the problem. Remember God’s promises that never fail and do not focus on the problem.

At this particular time many people feel like life has no meaning, because they have lost jobs, have no food, no money, piling bills, and so on. I pray that you will hang in there and not make irreversible blunders because of impulsive decisions.

Bishop Muriithi is the Founder & Overseer House of Grace International Ministries