OvercomingExemplo

Overcoming our losses

When my dad passed away, the grieving process was very different for different members of my family. For some it lasted longer than for others.

We all, at some point in our lives, experience the grieving process, and we do it differently from one another. Grieving happens, not only when we lose a person, but also a job, possessions, or things we considered valuable. This period is a normal process of emotional adaptation, and it is necessary to go through in order to move on.

Chapter 4 of 2 Kings tells us the story of two women who experienced a loss. Both were in a situation that did not go as they had planned. On the one hand, the widow had lost her husband and was about to be left with nothing, because he was the breadwinner of her family. The other woman had lost the son God had given her.

In both cases a miracle happens. In the case of the widow, God provides so that she and her children lack nothing and can pay their debts. And in the case of the other woman, God resurrects her son.

What do we do when we do not receive the miracle we expect? When healing doesn't come, when the door doesn't open, or when we don't see progress.

The enemy will want to use our losses to limit us to sow doubt, and cloud our vision. But God still has much more for us. Tribulations will come, but we have the tools to keep going until Jesus returns.

If you have had a loss, today I want to share two thoughts with you:

1. Your tears are not lost.

Your tears are important to God. He not only sees them, but He also collects them. It is important for you to understand that everyone's process is different, so take your time to go through the grieving.

The Bible tells us that we sow in tears, but we reap joy at the right time. When we shed our tears before God, they are like seeds sown in fertile soil.

2. Your refuge is found only in God

A refuge is a place of protection or shelter that frees one from danger.

When you experience a loss, what, or whom, is your refuge?

Many times, when faced with unexpected situations in life, we seek refuge in the wrong people or places. But if we make God our refuge, he will restore us and comfort our hearts.

There are losses that can only be healed when we are in the presence of God.

Even in this fallen world, he is in control of our lives and can heal our hearts. If we give him permission, God will take control of our grief and emotions.

Don't give up; let God walk with you in your process. Put your hope in him, and little by little you will be able to move forward in your losses.

Prayer: Jesus, I ask you to help me to move forward and not stay in pain, to heal my wounds, strengthen my heart and dry my tears so I can walk with you. I understand that in the midst of pain there is still more to my life. Renew my strength with eternal hope. Amen.