Dealing With Loss

Dealing With Loss
By John Woodward
May 25, 1998

How does experiencing Christ as life equip the believer to deal with loss ? (Rom 5:10). When we mourn over a personal loss, it reveals not only the value we place on what was taken away, but also the adequacy of the resources we are depending upon during the time of grief.

We all face various kinds of loss as we travel on our pilgrimage: the loss of a loved one in death, the loss of our health, the loss of finances or possessions, the loss of a friend or a spouse, the loss of a job etc. Moving to a new job and community triggers a sense of loss for friends left behind. Our response to loss helps us evaluate who or what we are trusting in for security and fulfillment.

When Hannah was grieving over her childless condition, her husband consoled her saying, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (1 Sam 1:8). Evidently he thought their marital relationship should compensate her lack of children. When Hannah dedicated her future to God, however, He opened her womb and Samuel the prophet was born. After she fulfilled her commitment and presented young Samuel to live and serve at God's tabernacle, Hannah was further blessed by God: "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the LORD. (1 Sam 2:21). God sustains those who put Him first.

When the disciples heard the sad news in the upper room that Christ would be crucified the next day, they grieved deeply. No wonder Jesus reassured them, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."
(John 14:1).

If Christ remained in the flesh, His ministry would have remained localized (and that would require quite a trip to the Holy Land for those of us who live thousands of miles from there!). Yet after His resurrection and ascension, Christ and the Father sent the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. As Jesus explained to the disciples, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you . . . He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 16:7;14:26). How wonderful that we as believers have Christ with us always! Christ promised, "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you " (John 14:18).

When Paul faced his final Roman trial and the prospect of martyrdom, he also suffered a loss of friendly support: "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. . . " How could Paul handle this loss? "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me" (2 Tim 4:16,17). Friend, He will never leave you or forsake you! (Heb 13:5).

Two weeks ago, friends of ours heard that their son, a missionary in China, died suddenly of a heart seizure. When I called them to express our sympathy, they testified of God's sustaining comfort . The memorial service last Friday was a Christ-centered tribute to their son whose motto was, "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). The quality of peace and hope the family expressed was a supernatural testimony of Christ's life. Scripture indicates that we sorrow, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13).

Are you mourning some loss in your life? May you keep your eyes on Christ, who is your life.

Lord, thank You for being the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Be to us our all in all. In Christ, amen.

JBW

May 25, '98

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