Setbacks are an unavoidable part of life, but the Bible offers us encouragement and guidance on how to navigate through these challenges. Even the greatest figures in scripture faced trials, yet their stories inspire us to persevere and trust in God’s plan. Below are verses that speak to setbacks, reaffirming that we are not alone in our struggles and that every setback can serve as a setup for a greater comeback.
Bible Verses About Setbacks
1. Isaiah 41:10 – God’s Assurance
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Cross-References
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Matthew 28:20 – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
2. Romans 8:28 – All Things Work Together
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Cross-References
Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.”
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
3. Proverbs 24:16 – Righteous Individuals
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16
Cross-References
Psalms 37:24 – “Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
Micah 7:8 – “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.”
4. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Treasure in Jars of Clay
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Cross-References
Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
5. Philippians 3:13-14 – Pressing On
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Cross-References
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”
1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
6. James 1:2-4 – Consider It Pure Joy
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-4
Cross-References
Romans 5:3 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”
1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.”
7. Psalm 34:19 – The Righteous and Their Afflictions
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” – Psalm 34:19
Cross-References
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
8. Romans 5:4 – Building Character
“Perseverance produces character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:4
Cross-References
Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
9. Psalm 37:5 – Trust in the Lord
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Cross-References
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
10. Exodus 14:14 – The Lord Will Fight for You
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 3:22 – “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”
Psalm 46:10 – “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
11. Jeremiah 29:11 – Hope and a Future
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Cross-References
Romans 8:31 – “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
12. 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of Power
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Cross-References
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
13. Isaiah 40:31 – Renewed Strength
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Cross-References
Micah 7:7 – “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Accomplishing Goals (With Cross-Reference)
14. 1 Peter 4:12-13 – Rejoice in Suffering
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13
Cross-References
Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
2 Corinthians 1:5 – “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”
15. Matthew 11:28 – Rest for the Weary
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Cross-References
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Revelation 21:4 – “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Luke 12:25-26 – “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
16. Hebrews 10:23 – Hold Unwaveringly
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Romans 4:20-21 – “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Psalms 130:5 – “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
17. Colossians 3:2 – Set Your Minds Above
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Cross-References
Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
18. Psalm 119:71 – Good for Me That I Was Afflicted
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” – Psalm 119:71
Cross-References
James 1:2 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Psalms 134:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
19. Isaiah 43:18-19 – New Things
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Cross-References
Philippians 3:13 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”
Revelation 21:5 – “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
20. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – No Temptation Has Overtaken
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Cross-References
James 1:13 – “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.”
2 Peter 2:9 – “If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”
21. Romans 12:12 – Joyful in Hope
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Psalms 37:7 – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
22. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A Time for Everything
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Cross-References
Isaiah 60:22 – “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
23. 1 Chronicles 16:11 – Seek the Lord
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11
Cross-References
Psalm 105:4 – “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
24. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – My Grace is Sufficient
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Cross-References
Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Philippians 3:8 – “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
25. Psalm 73:26 – My Flesh and My Heart May Fail
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26
Cross-References
Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you: Do not fear; I will help you.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 – “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
26. Revelation 3:21 – To the One Who is Victorious
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:21
Cross-References
Matthew 25:21 – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'”
1 John 5:4 – “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
27. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Run with Perseverance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Hebrews 12:1-2
Cross-References
Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 5:7 – “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?”
28. Ecclesiastes 7:14 – In the Day of Prosperity
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:4 – “The LORD works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster.”
Isaiah 45:7 – “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.”
Job 2:10 – “He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
29. Luke 18:27 – What is Impossible with Man
“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’” – Luke 18:27
Cross-References
Matthew 19:26 – “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Mark 10:27 – “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’”
30. Lamentations 3:22-23 – His Compassions Never Fail
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Cross-References
Psalm 30:5 – “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Isaiah 49:15 – “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
31. Psalm 18:28 – The Lord My God Lights Up My Darkness
“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” – Psalm 18:28
Cross-References
Psalms 27:1 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
John 8:12 – “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”
32. Psalm 121:1-2 – I Lift My Eyes
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2
Cross-References
Psalm 124:8 – “Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Also check out this article on: Bible verses about Journey
Final Thoughts
Setbacks can be difficult and disheartening, yet they also provide an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. The Bible assures us that we are not alone during these trying times; God is constantly with us, providing strength and guidance. Embracing setbacks with a hopeful spirit allows us to trust in God’s greater purpose, reminding us that His plans often unfold in unexpected ways.
As we look through the verses outlined above, may we find encouragement to rise again after a fall, knowing that every challenge can lead to a stronger faith and deeper reliance on God’s promises. Let us hold steadfast to the assurances found in Scripture, confident that our trials are shaping us for the future He has in store.