SOME BENEFITS OF LOSS

But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things
but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that
I may win Christ.
Philippians 3:7,8

It doesn't seem that long ago we were seeing the devastation of fires burning in California. I am reminded of almost two years ago when we witnessed something similar in our area. Fire, in these circumstances , always does the same thing...it destroys. Where nature is concerned, it has a wonderful way of restoring itself. However, there are things fire destroys that cannot be restored...homes full of memories, transportation, and often lives of residents as well as those who so bravely fight such fires.

At times, we drive through some of those areas affected by the fire here. Some places have been rebuilt, perhaps erecting better houses or buildings than there was before. Those homes are empty of the former things that were important to home. Even in great loss for so many, there are new beginnings.

When we think of loss, we often think of death, perhaps of a deadly disease or because of some unexpected accident. Loss may come to us in degrees. For instance, losing a fingernail can't compare to losing a priceless ring from the same finger. Any loss strikes at our very being because loss is usually out of our control. We are left vulnerable, unsure of our next move.

Loss may involve for any of us, death of a loved one, our health, a friendship, a job, treasured item, loss of the familiar due to a move, and even one's youth. From your own experience, I'm sure you could add to that list. For me, just about the biggest loss is the loss of a friend in any way...death, estrangement or even distance.

In recent months, I attended the funeral of a dear friend...Sandra. She was in my Sunday school class and Bible study sessions plus she was just a really good friend. She struggled with cancer for well over a year. I doubt the doctors thought she would last as long as she did. One never heard a complaint from her. If I pinned her down, she would tell me how her days was going but never in a complaining way. She knew God was in control of her life and would work the entire situation for her good and His glory. Her funeral was like a worship service. She had planned it with a pastor friend of ours. For a time when she couldn't get to church, we had “Monday School” in her home. When she couldn't handle that anymore I still would see her weekly. However, in circumstances like that, a friend isn't lost. If it is a loss, it's very temporary for we will see each other again.

Recently when consulting with my former pastor (whose wife is a dear best friend) regarding the upcoming Fall Bible study, he quietly told me of his upcoming resignation, really his retirement that would be announced on the coming Sunday. I was saddened, but at the same time, always want friends to be in the center of God's will. Loss....it can come in packages as well.

Paul in his writing to the Philippians, spent some verses in describing what a jerk he had been even though a faithful Pharisee who dutifully did all he could to wipe out Christians. In some circles, he was a hero and faithful to society's expectations. In those circles, when he became a Christ follower, he lost everything he had known in wealth, fame, even race to a great extent. Name the loss, however, and Paul considered those things as loss for Jesus. There was no self pity or regret in any loss he had sustained.

Alot depends on our view of life. Life on this earth is a very temporary thing. We will eventually lose all and everything we have known here. All that will count is what we have done for Jesus. Whatever any loss we have sustained, it will all be gain for Christ...nothing lost, everything gained.

Thank You, Father that in You, I find my sufficiency. Those times of human loss, You are so faithful to comfort and fill in the gaps of any hurt with Your love. Thank You for sending Jesus who in His humanity understands my feelings. May I count all things as loss for You. Help me to keep that focus on You. In Jesus precious name...Amen