Dealing with loss can challenge the best of us. 

Dealing with Loss Our Way

One fall, I worked with a client who had three big losses stacked against her. I know, it was only three, but three ended up the perfect number to wipe her out. First, something relational she had prayed for over three years to happen did not materialize. A series of rejections dashed her latest publishing dreams, and her finances became shorter than the days left in the year.

She became so focused on her losses that she stopped living. The motion of working, eating, and sleeping continued, but she stopped socializing, planning, and dreaming. That continued several months before she reached out for a lifeline.

Loss is a strong and formidable enemy that forces us to the edge of despair. Loss shoves us into doubt, which sends fear into the scene. Fear steals our confidence. Then apathy creeps in, and we begin to care less about everything. Many people pull the blinds and close the shutters on their lives. They isolate and put a hard stop to all their hopes.

Dealing with Loss God’s Way

Highlighting the losses and hardships of the apostle Paul may help us minimize the impact of our own hard times.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

~1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

If Paul knew how to do anything, he knew how to keep his sufferings and struggles from getting him down. The man is one of the best examples of focus and perseverance.

Once, Paul was beaten with thirty-nine lashes; three times, he was beaten with rods; and once, he was stoned. He was shipwrecked three times and floated aimlessly in the sea for a night and a day. The Jews put a bounty on his head, and false teachers and friends betrayed him. Yet, Paul stood firm in his faith and devotion to spreading the good news.

So, what is the difference between our little faith and Paul’s undaunted faith walk? Paul practiced gratitude for God’s grace above all else. His ever-thankful spirit helped him keep things in a better perspective. Paul’s life can put a spin on our woe-is-me times.

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

~Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

Let’s all consider how to live through difficult times like Paul. Enduring our seemingly big losses teaches us to lean on God more. Overcoming hard times brings victory and blessing. Never focus on life’s losses long. Don’t lose sight of your confidence and trust in God, and never forget all His promises that are yet to come your way.

Stay focused and committed during your season of loss.

Dear Heavenly Father, I trust you. Keep me from focusing on what I lose. I know even more blessings will come from You when I overcome my difficulties with Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Nonfiction

Copyright 2025: Dealing with Loss: Cynthia Mendenhall: All Rights Reserved.