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Verse:Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. —Habakkuk 3:17, 18, TLB
The loss of relationships by betrayal, drawing apart, or death is universal. The loss of material things seems to be increasing exponentially because of natural disasters. Other losses are due to hazards caused by human action or inaction, including the consequences of society’s advancements, such as faulty airplane designs and industrial pollution. Observant Bible students see the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:6–8 and are encouraged to “lift up … [their] heads; for … [their] redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28, KJV). When the losses are personal, creating new normals for our lives, we struggle to make sense of these experiences.
Sometimes the losses come in quick succession, such as Job’s period of suffering. And if the truth be told, they probably are like that.
I experienced such a season from 2012 to 2017, when the deaths of five close family members and a friend, coupled with the losses of my job and professional credentials, spawned economic instability, health issues, and heartaches.
This season of great outward instability gave me only a few moments to catch my breath and regroup after one loss before the next one arrived.
In retrospect, I know that Jesus sustained me because every one of these events was enough to challenge my faith in, trust in, and obedience to God’s Word. An underlying matrix anchored me: God permitted each trial and test for my good and His glory, to paraphrase Romans 8:28. His vision of my eternal future required shifting my priorities, reliance upon family members and friends, and sense of independence. Yet my losses must not be lost as I consider my spiritual development and growth. Meditating on the following words comforts me: “ ‘In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ [1 Thessalonians 5:18].
This command is an assurance that even the things which appear to be against us will work for our good. God would not bid us be thankful for that which would do us harm.”*
Judith Warren Hawkins