Matthew 2:16

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.

Jesus had been born and in less than two years he and his family had to flee to Egypt in order to escape Herod’s child massacre. The Savior’s mission was off to a rocky start, it seemed, but God was still on the throne. It looked like a serious set-back…but it was all a part of God’s plan.

First of all, this temporary set-back allowed for the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Jeremiah 3:15 regarding the weeping of Ramah – one of over 300 prophesies found in the Old Testament that are confirmed in the birth, life, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Additionally, and this is quite important for us to consider over 2,000 years later, it was a practical requirement that allowed for the fulfillment of God’s plan regarding His Son.

Odds are good that you have experienced some set-backs, too. In fact, you may be experiencing one right now. As difficult as those are to face, you are certainly not alone in the experience…and what was true for Jesus 2,000 years ago is just as true for you today. God’s Kingdom plan, along with His desires for your life, will not be derailed by these set-backs. In fact, the set-backs themselves are always incorporated into the bigger (and better) plans of God.

Thankfully, in God’s economy, nothing goes to waste, including our truly temporary set-backs.