Losing something – a job, career, relationship, time, once-in-a-lifetime-moments – stinks. No one looks forward to their next loss. In fact, if I may be honest here, losing is one of those things that we learn to avoid at a very early age.
On the playground, we learned to not like losing at team sports or at individual sports. Many adults seem to reinforce that from the spectator seats. In casual board games, we become adept at strategies to outsmart and outwit our opponents with the slightest moves. And we’re pretty braggadocious about it, too. Something just wells up inside of us with that determination to shout out, “Check-mate!”
33 “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 NCV
So, when Jesus says, “Warning, warning ~ life will be full of issues that you’re not going to be happy about,” I need to preach to myself about what He has already shown me and taught me and promised me. My track-record with Jesus gives proof of His faithfulness. He’s never ever let me down. I can look in the rearview mirror and say that about all the stuff that’s behind me. But I had to go through it to get to the other side of it so I could tell you about it.
I’m sure you have stories to share as well ~ and I welcome those! The more we share about our victories in Jesus, the more we give one another a heaping dose of hope and Him the glory. After all, it’s all about Him.
Let’s get back to those losses. I know you have those in your hip pocket, jacket pocket, tote bag, backpack … we have those stored digitally as well. We tend to remember those with a lot of passion and can have instant recall in a moment’s notice. That is, until something comes along and transforms them into the unexpected miracle. Then that loss kinda gets “recategorized” and is remembered in a different light. Isn’t that how it is?
When we choose to surrender a severe loss to Jesus, He takes it and reshapes it into the most unbelievable outcome. Only He can do that. Why is that so hard to remember ~ especially in the heat of the moment?
Because we are still living this side of Paradise, Sweet Friend. We may come close to wrapping it up, but we’ll never be able to put the bow on it ~ that’s the work of Jesus. It’s our faith in Him that allows us to get to the other side of any loss. And the more practice we get at it, well, the more familiar the response will become, and the more natural thing to do will be to not panic (as much) but to go straight to Him. Trust Him for the process and in the process.
I want to encourage you today, as I preach to myself (grin), to be thankful for the losses. When our hands are empty, that’s when Jesus can take hold of them. And He will place something beautiful in that space. Trust Him for it. Believe Him to do it. Thank Him before you see it.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 
I’m sobbing reading this. It really resonates. I suffered many losses. Sometimes the suffering was truly unbearable. I got through it without faith but I know Jesus was there. I would never have been able to help people to guide them if I had not suffered these losses & pain. God uses it for good. Now that I trust in Jesus I’m not afraid. I’m like throw it at me, lol. I will rejoice and continue to praise Him. Grateful tears flow. 🙌❤️Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
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I want you to know that I “get you,” my Friend ~ and you know that’s the truth. My heart is full that you have openly shared yours here, and I am so grateful for your friendship.Excited that we’ll be spending eternity as one BIG family. (((HUGS)))
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