Green Olives Christian Books on a Page

---

TURNING SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES

---

Life is often filled with unexpected trials and tribulations. As Job aptly observed, "Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7, KJV). The reality of human existence is that setbacks and challenges are inevitable. However, as believers, we must recognize that these moments of hardship are not dead ends but divinely orchestrated pathways to greater glory. The psalmist declared, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19, KJV). Our faith in God transforms our stumbling blocks into stepping stones that lead to divine fulfillment and spiritual maturity.

Biblical Examples of Triumph Over Setbacks

Joseph: From Pit to Palace

The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 serves as a profound example of how God can turn adversity into advancement. Betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned—Joseph endured a series of painful setbacks. Yet, through it all, he remained steadfast in his faith. When he finally stood before his brothers as the governor of Egypt, he declared, "Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5, KJV). Joseph understood that what seemed like a misfortune was, in fact, God’s divine setup for a greater purpose. His perseverance led him to a position where he could save many lives, including those of his own family.

Job: A Test of Faith and Ultimate Restoration

The account of Job is one of immense suffering, yet unwavering faith. He lost his wealth, his children, and his health, but in the midst of his anguish, he proclaimed, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15, KJV). Even when his friends accused him falsely and his own wife urged him to curse God and die, Job held onto his faith, declaring, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" (Job 19:25, KJV). In the end, God restored to Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10-17, KJV), proving that steadfast faith in adversity leads to divine recompense.

Principles for Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

The lives of Joseph and Job teach us that setbacks are not meant to destroy us but to refine and prepare us for greater assignments. Here are key biblical principles for navigating and overcoming life’s challenges:

Maintain a Godly Perspective – Instead of seeing setbacks as defeats, view them as divine setups for a greater purpose. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Trust in God's Plan – Even when we do not understand our trials, we must trust in God’s sovereign will. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Persevere with Faith – Trials test our faith, but we must endure. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3).

Use Adversity as Preparation for Greater Responsibility – Joseph's imprisonment prepared him for leadership. Likewise, our struggles equip us for greater assignments. Stay Resilient and Do Not Give Up – "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again" (Proverbs 24:16). True victory comes to those who refuse to remain down.

Seek Strength in Christ – "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Christ is our source of resilience and strength.

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus – The ultimate example of triumph through suffering is our Lord Jesus Christ. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

Embracing Setbacks as Part of God's Process

The life of a believer is not free from challenges, but every setback carries the seed of a greater comeback. Romans 8:28 (KJV) assures us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Instead of being discouraged by adversity, we must embrace it as part of God’s refining process. When we look back at our trials, we will see the divine hand of God at work, shaping us for His glory. May we never faint in the day of adversity (Proverbs 24:10), but rather find strength in God, knowing that our setbacks are stepping stones to the destiny He has prepared for us.

FOCUS YOUR FOCUS TO AVOID FAILURE: SHIFTING MINDS WIN NOTHING

In the journey of life and faith, focus is a critical element in achieving success and fulfilling God's divine purpose. A wavering mind, constantly shifting between distractions, is like a ship without a compass—destined to drift and never reach its intended destination. The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of steadfast focus, warning against double-mindedness and encouraging believers to set their eyes on the prize of their high calling in Christ.

1. A Double-Minded Man is Unstable

The Apostle James, under divine inspiration, declared: "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) This verse reveals a profound spiritual principle—when a person lacks focus, they are unstable and inconsistent. Spiritual inconsistency leads to failure in both the physical and spiritual realms. To walk in victory, one must focus their mind, heart, and efforts on what truly matters: the will of God.

2. Looking Unto Jesus: The Ultimate Focus

Hebrews 12:2 commands believers to set their gaze upon Christ: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus Himself demonstrated divine focus. Despite opposition, suffering, and distractions, He endured the cross because He was fixed on the ultimate goal—our redemption. If Jesus had allowed distractions to shift His mind from His mission, salvation would not have been accomplished. In the same way, we must anchor our focus on Christ and the calling He has placed upon our lives.

3. Pressing Toward the Mark

Paul, the great Apostle of faith, emphasized the necessity of spiritual focus: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, KJV) Paul’s determination exemplifies the power of unwavering focus. He refused to be distracted by past failures or successes but instead fixed his mind on his divine assignment. Those who continually shift between pursuits, interests, and desires without commitment win nothing, for their energy is scattered and ineffective.

4. Peter’s Lesson: Keeping Eyes on Christ

The story of Peter walking on water provides a vivid lesson on focus: "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." (Matthew 14:30) As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water. But the moment he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink. Likewise, many believers start their journey in faith and purpose with zeal, but when they shift their focus to distractions, fears, or worldly concerns, they falter.

Conclusion: Set Your Mind on Things Above

Colossians 3:2 instructs us: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." To avoid failure, one must fix their mind on God’s purpose, reject distractions, and pursue their calling with unwavering determination. A shifting mind wins nothing, but a focused heart triumphs in Christ. Therefore, focus your focus—for in steadfastness lies victory. May the Lord grant you the grace to remain steadfast in your divine assignment. Amen.

DO NOT DESPISE SMALL BEGINNINGS: A DIVINE PRINCIPLE OF GROWTH AND GREATNESS

"Who dares despise the day of small things?" (Zechariah 4:10, NIV). This is not merely an encouraging phrase—it is a divine principle deeply woven into the very fabric of creation! It is a truth that reverberates through scripture, a clarion call of hope, a whisper of promise, and a rallying cry for those who stand at the threshold of something new. Every towering tree was once a seed, every vast ocean a mere drop of water, and every great destiny began with a single step. To despise small beginnings is to scorn the very process by which God brings forth greatness!

THE POWER OF SMALL BEGINNINGS

The world glorifies instant success, but the Word of God champions the power of process. The seed of greatness is often planted in obscurity, watered by faith, and nurtured through perseverance. "Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly" (Job 8:7, NKJV). This is the unchanging pattern of divine growth. Jesus Himself illustrated this principle in the parable of the mustard seed: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches" (Matthew 13:31-32, NIV). Within that tiny seed lies the blueprint for something extraordinary, just as within you lies the potential for a mighty move of God!

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SMALL BEGINNINGS LEADING TO GREATNESS

1. Joseph – From Prisoner to Prime Minister

Joseph’s journey to prominence was not an overnight success. He was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned—yet in those places of seeming insignificance, he remained faithful. He excelled as a servant in Potiphar’s house and as a leader in prison before he was exalted to rule over Egypt (Genesis 39:1-23; 41:37-55). His small beginnings were not a hindrance but a divine setup for his destiny.

2. David – From Shepherd Boy to King

David was anointed as king while still a young shepherd tending sheep (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Alone in the wilderness, he developed the skills of leadership, courage, and worship. The battles he fought in secret—against lions and bears—prepared him for his public victory over Goliath and his ultimate reign as king (1 Samuel 17:34-37). What seemed like an ordinary beginning was, in fact, God’s training ground for a mighty ruler.

3. Elisha – From Servant to Prophet

Elisha did not start as a mighty prophet. His first role was simply pouring water on the hands of Elijah (2 Kings 3:11). A seemingly menial task, yet it positioned him for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. His faithfulness in the little led to an inheritance of the extraordinary (2 Kings 2:1-15).

A PRINCIPLE OF MULTIPLICATION AND FRUITFULNESS

God’s economy operates on the principle of multiplication, but everything starts small. "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation" (Isaiah 60:22, KJV). The process is often unseen and slow, but the potential is limitless! Do not let impatience rob you of your destiny. What seems like a meager beginning is often a divine investment with exponential returns!

THE CALL TO ACTION: START SMALL, DREAM BIG

Greatness is not about the size of your beginning but the faithfulness of your journey. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10, NIV). The question is not whether your start is small—it’s whether you will steward it well. Will you be diligent in the little so that God can entrust you with much?

1. Embrace the Process – Growth takes time. Be patient and faithful where you are.

2. Remain Diligent – Small efforts, consistently applied, lead to great results.

3. Trust God’s Timing – The season of small beginnings is not a delay; it is preparation.

4. Stay Faithful – The mundane and unseen places are where character is forged and faith is strengthened.

CELEBRATE YOUR SMALL BEGINNINGS!

Do not despise the days of humble beginnings, for they hold the DNA of greatness. That small idea, that tiny step of faith, that seemingly insignificant effort—it matters. Within it lies the seed of something far beyond what you can imagine. The God who turned shepherds into kings, slaves into rulers, and servants into prophets is the same God working in your life. So, step out! Water your small beginning with faith, diligence, and patience. And in due time, you will witness the mighty harvest of God’s glorious plan for your life!

Book to read: Discovering Your God-Given Potentials

Uncover and maximize the gifts and abilities God has placed within you.

Get Your Copy