What happens when people lose everything? Shattered dreams. Loss of home, loved ones, health, wealth. We think it only happens to other people, but it happens to real people. Jacob’s favorite son Joseph had everything. His brothers hated him, even sold him to Ishmaelites who sold him as a slave into Egypt. He was wrongfully accused and imprisoned for thirteen years. Because he was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, he was made governor and saved Egypt and his people in Canaan from a terrible famine.
Job lost his family, his wealth and health. Although he complained in his suffering, he believed God was with him. In the latter part of his life, Job had greater wealth. He had seven more sons and three more daughters. His brothers and sisters celebrated his new life with him and he lived another 140 years.
When Helen Howarth became blind, her husband abandoned her. She did not give up but wrote more than five hundred hymns including a cherished song of mine, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
THINK ABOUT IT
How do people recover from unbelievable loss? Could it be their faith in God? Do they believe that wealth and honor come from God, the ruler of all things and in His hands are strength and power to strengthen all people (1 Chronicles 29:12)? The sons of Korah said it well in Psalm 84:5-7: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka (suffering), they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength til each appears before God in Zion.”
PRAY ABOUT IT
O Lord, our God, many people have suffered great loss in today’s world. Rescue them with your love. Let them know your presence and help them get back on their feet. O Lord, help us all to trust you more as we go from strength to strength in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 