Your setbacks are setups for God’s greatness

 

Read: Galatians 4:12-16

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

 

Good Morning!

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the greatest composers. His nine masterpiece Symphonies have withstood the test of time and continue to be performed by numerous symphonies today. At the height of his career, this esteemed artist lost his hearing. Despite suffering from hearing loss, Beethoven's ability to compose music remained unaffected, although performing at concerts became increasingly challenging for him. Despite facing physical setbacks, he did not allow them to hinder his talent.

  The ministry of the Apostle Paul was accompanied by various challenges and hardships. In Acts 14:19-20, Paul was brutally beaten, stoned, and dragged by Jews, resulting in possible broken bones, cuts, and bruises. He was bitten by a snake on the island of Malta after a Shipwreck. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, we must remember Paul's proverbial thorn in the side. Adding to the existing problems, it seems that he was not a very good speaker either. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul admitted that the Corinthians church had many criticisms of his preaching, which they considered to be unimpressive.

  On his deathbed, Beethoven was quoted as saying, "I will hear in heaven." After reading this quote, I thought about people who often come up with excuses or create obstacles for themselves, preventing them from doing what they are capable of.

  Despite his inability to do anything else, Beethoven recognized his talents as a gift from God in the form of his ability to write music. Among the many things Paul endured and suffered from, he didn't allow them to hinder him from spreading the Gospel.

  As you create your New Year Resolutions, evaluate yourself to determine what is causing metaphorical deafness. What is the barrier preventing your progress?

 if Ludwig van Beethoven can write great musical scores without hearing, just think what you can do!

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