Let God Turn Your Work Setbacks Into Comebacks - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - October 20, 2023

Let God Turn Your Work Setbacks Into Comebacks
By Rick Warren

“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” Luke 5:6 (NIV)

If you’ve ever felt discouraged with your work, you’re in good company. Maybe you’re worn out from overwork. Maybe you’ve put your heart and soul into a project, and it simply failed.

We’ve all faced similar setbacks in life. But it’s what happens after the setback that is truly important.

Just ask Simon Peter.

He was a fisherman by trade. One day he and his fellow fishermen were washing their nets after spending the whole night fishing—and catching nothing. When they didn’t catch fish, they didn’t make money. No doubt they were discouraged and tired.

And then Jesus came along and did the impossible.
He told Simon Peter: “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4 NIV).

Simon Peter’s response was typical of someone who’s frustrated: “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything” (Luke 5:5 NIV).

We’ve all hit that stage. We’ve given our work our best shot and come up empty. We’ve done everything right—and we may even believe God led us to do what we’re doing—but we have nothing to show for it.

We’re ready to give up.

But then Jesus shows up. He reveals how he’s been working in your life, doing things you haven’t been able to see until now. He meets your needs. He redeems a bad situation. 

And he proves he is Lord over everything.

Simon Peter and his companions obeyed Jesus’ instructions, and “when they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break” (Luke 5:6 NIV).

Not only did they catch enough fish for themselves, but God also gave them enough to share with other fishermen.

When Jesus joined their efforts, they caught more fish in 10 minutes than they had in the previous 10 hours. God turned a setback into a comeback. 

You may be frustrated because of setback after setback in your life. You’re tired and discouraged, wondering if things can ever get back on track. And you can empathize with Simon Peter’s frustration. 

But your comeback may be just around the corner.

Even if you can’t see it yet, God is working in your life, transforming bad into good, turning your setback into a comeback.

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