Setbacks don't exist...

This weeks reflection lesson is pretty deep and heavily rooted in faith. It is the filter by which I see all things in my life through. (Sorry again for the length 😅 a lot was learned)

There’s No Such Thing as Setback: Embracing God’s Strategic Repositioning

Have you ever looked at a setback and wondered if it was more than just a roadblock?

Perhaps it felt like a complete derailment of your plans, a detour that seemed to lead nowhere.

I am more convinced now than ever before, that in God’s plan, there are no setbacks—only strategic repositioning.

Understanding Strategic Repositioning

The concept of strategic repositioning was first introduced to me at a fly-in event with .

He described it as a frame for understanding the challenges and obstacles we face, not as failures, but as deliberate shifts designed to place us where we need to be.

When I heard this, it was as if a light bulb went off. It articulated something I had long believed in my heart, but never had the words to describe.

As I began to reflect more deeply on this idea, I realized that it wasn’t just a motivational concept—it was deeply rooted in the Bible.

Throughout Scripture, we see time and time again that those who were called by God never faced true setbacks. Instead, they were strategically repositioned to fulfill God’s greater purpose.

Take Abraham, for example. He was called to leave everything he knew and go to an unknown land, a move that must have seemed like a setback to any outside observer.

But this was just the beginning of God’s grand plan. Then there’s Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned.

To the world, these were setbacks. But in God’s plan, they were steps toward Joseph’s eventual rise to power in Egypt, where he would save many lives.

Even in the New Testament, we see this theme play out. Paul’s missionary journeys, particularly in Acts 16, are a perfect example.

He was prevented by the Holy Spirit from entering Asia, which must have seemed like a frustrating setback.

But this divine redirection led him to Macedonia, where his mission would have a profound impact.

What appeared to be a closed door was actually God repositioning Paul for a greater purpose.

The Importance of Being Led by the Spirit In Life & Business

One key aspect of embracing God’s strategic repositioning is being led by the Spirit.

Without this guidance, we risk missing the signs that God is redirecting us for a greater purpose. In Acts 16, Paul’s sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading was crucial.

When the Holy Spirit blocked him from entering Asia, Paul didn’t stubbornly push forward; instead, he paused, prayed, and received a new vision to go to Macedonia.

This past year in my own life has been filled with what others might call “setbacks.”

From product issues and client churn to letting go of team members and dealing with uncooperative vendors, it would be easy to see these as failures.

But when I look back with the perspective of strategic repositioning, I realize that each of these challenges was God’s way of moving me to where I needed to be.

These weren’t random obstacles—they were deliberate steps in God’s plan, repositioning me for what’s next.

Embracing God’s Method of Preparation

Romans 5:3-4 says, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

This scripture highlights an essential truth: God uses hardships to prepare us. Suffering isn’t meant to break us; it’s meant to build us.

If we want to achieve anything significant, we must be willing to go through God’s preparation process, which often includes trials, challenges, and what seem like setbacks.

When Paul and Silas were on their way to pray in Macedonia, they were harassed by a servant girl possessed by a spirit.

Paul, in his frustration, cast out the spirit, which led to their arrest, flogging, and imprisonment. To the untrained eye, this was a massive setback.

But Paul and Silas knew better. Instead of lamenting their situation, they praised God, understanding that this was part of His plan.

This story is a powerful reminder that when we face hardships, it’s not a sign of failure. It’s God’s way of preparing us for the next stage of our journey.

This past year has been a year of preparation for me. Each difficulty has been a test, a way for God to build my character and strengthen my resolve for what lies ahead.

Letting Go of the Illusion of Control

One of the hardest things for us to do is to let go of the illusion of control.

We like to think that we are in charge of our lives, that we can plan and execute our goals with precision.

But the truth is, control is an illusion. When we cling to it, we resist God’s leading and miss out on His strategic repositioning.

Paul’s journey to Macedonia teaches us the importance of releasing control. When the Holy Spirit blocked his path to Asia, Paul didn’t resist.

He surrendered his plans to God and allowed the Spirit to lead him. This surrender is crucial if we are to fully embrace God’s repositioning in our lives.

In my own life, I’ve had to learn this lesson repeatedly. Whenever I’ve tried to force my plans or resist the changes God was making, I’ve only encountered more frustration.

But when I’ve let go and trusted God’s process, I’ve seen His hand guiding me to better opportunities and greater blessings.

Conclusion

As I reflect on this past week and even this past year, I realize that what I once saw as setbacks were actually moments of divine repositioning.

God has been at work, shifting my path, preparing me for something greater. There is no such thing as a setback when you are led by the Spirit.

Every challenge, every obstacle, every hardship is a step in God’s strategic repositioning of your life.

So if you find yourself facing what seems like a setback, I encourage you to change your perspective. Ask yourself, “Is this a failure, or is it repositioning?”

Trust in His plan, let go of control, and embrace the challenges He sends your way.

Remember, God is not in the business of setbacks—He’s in the business of preparing you for something extraordinary.

When we allow ourselves to be led by God, to embrace His method of preparation, and to surrender our illusion of control, we position ourselves to see incredible things happen.

And in that place, we’ll discover that every struggle, every challenge, every closed door is just another step in God’s strategic repositioning for a future that is beyond what we could ever imagine.