Do you ever feel like you take two steps forward and one step back every time you try to move ahead? That’s exactly how I felt. One thing I’ve learned through mentorship, though, is this: although our feelings are real, they are not always right.

Last May, I began a journey to exercise twice a week because I knew I needed to move my body. After three months, I had to put everything on hold. I’ve shared a bit about that in other blogs, so I won’t go into all the details again, but I truly felt like I had made great progress—only to end up moving backward.

Or at least that’s how it felt.

What I’m learning through this journey is that the steps I thought were taking me backward were actually still moving me forward. Let me explain.

My first reaction was to see putting exercise on hold as a setback. But in reality, exercising is what helped uncover medical issues that needed to be addressed. Pausing my workouts and working with my doctors wasn’t a step backward at all—it was the next step forward.

I’ve been back at the gym for about a month, and instead of going two days a week, I’ve been going three days a week. That sounds like progress to me.

Sometimes it really is all about how we choose to view our situation—and how much we trust that God is leading us in a way that honors Him and is good for us. God’s character is loving, compassionate, kind, merciful, and gracious. He loves us enough to do what is best for us, even when we don’t see it that way.

If you’re in a season where it feels like you’re moving backward instead of forward, I hope this encourages you. Is it possible that what looks like a step back is actually a necessary step forward toward something better—something you just can’t see yet?

Here are three verses that remind me of God's love and faithfulness in those times I feel I'm stepping backward. What Scriptures bring you encouragement? 

Hebrews 11:6:  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Romans 8:31a-32:  If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

James 1:17:  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Father, forgive me for being frustrated and a little angry when I thought my enthusiasm and progress were all for nothing. Thank You for showing me that what looked like a setback was actually for my own good, so that I can now move forward safely. In Jesus' name, amen.

Until next month