TWO WAYS TO FIGHT LOSS

Loss can sometimes leave you speechless, feeling paralysed, Image credit: *JAIKISHAN PATEL* on Unsplash.

By REVEREND TONY ZEKVELD

Facing loss. Sometimes there are no words to describe it. It can have the same paralysing effect as a sudden thunderbolt. It can leave you speechless.

At this intersection in your life, you can turn one of two ways. One way is to lose heart, give up in despair, and live in defeat. The other way is to fight back and move forward. But there are two ways to fight back, either on your own or never on your own. Which is the stronger, better way?

First, is the “on your own” response. This says, “I will face the loss and move forward in my own strength and power”. This may also be a response of a family: “We are determined to fight back. We will manage on our own and do it.”

It’s fiercely independent. It is a way to cover or bury the deep wounds that loss brings. Its fight to move forward often harbours the unresolved emotions of anger or bitterness. It takes a stoical, militant stance, says, “Don’t cry. Move forward. Don’t be weak.”

There is no grace, no real healing, no real permission to mourn in order to deal with the painful loss. There is no real comfort. You just try to show that you are strong in yourself as you move forward.

Second, is the “never on your own” response. This says, “I must face the loss, but there is no way I can move forward in my own strength and power. I need comfort. I need hope.”

The good news here is that God gives that deep-seated comfort and sure hope in Christ Jesus to all who trust on Him. Christ fought and defeated Satan and death by giving His own life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. He overcame Satan and death for us and in our place by rising to life from the dead In Him, we fight, overcome and live!

Christ fought back for me. His loss was for my gain. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And he who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

I move forward in Christ’s strength knowing the hope I have in Him. In Him I am able to accept my loss. In this way, I fight loss!

HOPE TRIUMPHS

TWO WAYS TO FIGHT LOSS