Loss

My heart has been so tendered over the last year for people that have suffered loss….

Loss of a loved one

Loss of a child

Loss of a spouse

Loss of a sibling

loss of a job

loss of health

loss of a pregnancy

loss of a relationship

loss of a dream

and the list goes on.

As believers in Jesus Christ it’s what we do with the loss that matters. Seasons of loss drive us either closer to the cross or farther from it. For me lately, honestly, it has depended on the day. The Lord has taught me so much over the last year. Even though the trials have been extremely heart-wrenching and draining in every way imaginable, my faith in Him has grown exponentially. Our marriage and our family have been strengthened as well. So, during those moments or days when I am really angry, He gently reminds me of all the things we have learned during this time. He has also used it in a profound way to make me more aware of those who are hurting around me. And for those things, I am extremely grateful.

The inextricable bonds of pain and joy that mark this earthly life are sometimes more than we can bear. And that’s why we need Him. On those days when I was tempted to despair, through His grace and mercy, our Heavenly Father reminded me that He suffered the greatest loss….He gave His only Son to die a horrible, excruciating death for my sin. So in my human mind when things seem unjust and unfair, I am reminded that He was and is perfect, yet He laid down His life for me.

Have there been days when I was mad? Of course. Have there been days when I have wondered why God allowed this to happen? Certainly. Have there been periods of time when I never wanted to step foot inside another church? Definitely. But the overwhelming themes He has continued to speak to me are these: He is with us, He loves us, He defends us, He will provide for us, He has never left us, He will never leave us, He is Just, He is righteous, He knows all, He sees all, and one day ALL will be made new.

There will be no more tears. There will be no more pain. There will be no more night. For the One seated on the throne illuminates the heavens and receives the praises of the throngs of angels who sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty. Who was, Who is, and Who is to come.”

No matter your loss or season of life in which you find yourself, let it drive you TO the One who loves you more than you could ever imagine. He intercedes for you, on your behalf, to the Father. When I honestly did not know what to pray, or was so fired-up mad I couldn’t think straight enough to pray, I knew this verse and it became so real to me. It was if I felt the Son interceding on my behalf with words I could not even put together, but the things my heart was crying out, He was saying for me.

And so for now, I am thankful. Through my tears and the scars on my heart, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned during this season of loss.