Hope Through Loss
Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
How do you respond when tragedy occurs in your life?
Most of us are familiar with the story of Job in the Old Testament. This man endured devastation and multiple losses, yet he never cursed God. Through all his tragedies he chose to worship and praise God. Job is described in scripture as “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). He understood the Lord’s sovereignty and acknowledged that His goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. God was more valuable to Job than his spouse, children, livestock, health, and livelihood. He loved God above everything else and was an extraordinary witness to others. Christ's supreme value and glory are exhibited when we treasure him more than anything we could lose.
God allows suffering in our lives; none of us are exempt. Throughout scripture, he reiterates that we will suffer many trials and face persecution. We must cling to His promises in the hardships because he is our only hope. Though painful, the adversity we go through in this life will be used for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). Suffering is allotted as one way for the gospel to spread and as a testimony for others. How else will God's glory be magnified if our lives are prosperous and free of tribulation?
Our experiences on this Earth prepare us for our eternal destination, Heaven. Believers can be refreshed by the fact that this is not our permanent home. The suffering we endure now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later (Romans 8:18). If you are in Christ, that is enough to be fortified and hopeful.
The end of Job’s story is remarkable. He humbled himself before God, and everything lost was restored. We, like Job, may not fully comprehend why God allows certain things to transpire, but we, like Job, can trust Him even as we go through times of loss. Job’s story reminds us that God is our hope and strength.
What did the Holy Spirit teach you through times of loss?
How did your situation glorify God?
Father God, thank you for loving me. I trust you; even though I cannot see your plan, I know you are sovereign, and you love me. Help me to have a heart like Job’s and place you above anything else. Strengthen me as I walk through difficult times. I thank you for your faithfulness and for always providing hope. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 2:7; Psalm 27:13-14; Psalm 119:71; Isaiah 26:3, 45:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1; 1 Timothy 6:7
