KEEP ON KEEPING ON

I came across a headline that read: At 7 years old, a boy had to go to work because his family was evicted. At 9, his mother died. At 22, he lost his store clerk job. At 23, he went into debt to become a partner in a small store. At 26, his business partner died, leaving him with a large debt that would take years to repay. At 28, after dating a woman for four years, she refused his marriage proposal. At 37, on his third try, he was elected to Congress—but two years later, he failed to be re-elected. At 41, his four-year-old son died. At 45, he ran for Senate and lost. At 47, he failed as a vice-presidential candidate. At 49, he ran for Senate again and lost. Finally, at 51, he was elected President of the United States.

This man was Abraham Lincoln—a leader who endured heartbreak, loss, and repeated failure, yet refused to quit. His story reminds us that setbacks are not the end, but often the pathway to greater victories.

The Bible is also filled with men and women who faced setbacks that became divine setups: Moses, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, David, Nehemiah, Peter, Paul, and many others. Their trials were stepping stones for God to display His glory.

What Not to Do in a Setback:

1. Don’t give up your goals and go back to your old way of life, like the Israelites did.

2. Don’t settle for second best. God’s plan is worth waiting for.

3. Don’t blame God or others for your situation. Remember:

   “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

4. Don’t conclude that it must not be God’s time or His will. His timing may be different, but His promises remain sure.

Scriptures to Hold On To in Setbacks:

• “The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39)

• “And the Lord shall help them and deliver them… because they trust in Him.” (Psalm 37:40)

• “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble.” (Proverbs 12:13)

• “The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.” (Proverbs 11:8)

• “God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” (Psalm 68:6)

Conclusion:

If you are committed to following the Lord, expect the enemy to resist you. Setbacks will come—but don’t let them stop you. Instead, see them as setups for God to show Himself strong on your behalf.

Keep on keeping on. The same God who turned every biblical setback into a testimony will do the same for you. Trust Him, stay faithful, and never quit!