Is losing really that bad?

When I was 12 years old, my family left the church I had been going to since I was born. To me, this was a really big deal because it meant I would be losing really close relationships with people who meant the world to me. But when God says it is time to move, you must move. I was really upset about this, along with my whole family. But I will tell you it was a hard loss to take, but it led to an even greater gain.

Last Sunday at church, my pastor was preaching, and he said, “People don’t want to have that loss, for the potential gain.” I quickly wrote that down because it stood out to me. I have really been thinking about this statement a lot this week. We as humans don’t want to have to lose anything to gain something, even if that something is better. First, we want to know what we will gain, if we let go of what we have been holding onto. I find this so true in my own life. I want God’s will to be fulfilled in my life but sometimes I don’t want to let go of the things I know I should in order to gain something better. Why? Because sometimes I wonder will it really be better?

Now, I know that is terrible to think. I know God has my best interest in mind but sometimes it feels really awful to lose something you love. Also, usually losing something you love is a very painful experience. This isn’t an easy task in my opinion. Then, there is the whole other aspect of letting go of one thing but then having to wait for the “gain.” I am always thinking how long is it going take?  Does anyone else think like me?? 

C.S. Lewis said, “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” I am nodding my head, agreeing with that 100 percent. 

Ever since my pastor said the previous statement in his sermon, I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. I started to think about the cross. Jesus lost a lot to die on the cross for us, but He gained so much more. The journey to His “gain” was not an easy one. He faced a lot of pain and heartache, but He knew in His heart it was all gain and for the glory of God. His loss to gain not only effected His life, but it effected every single one of ours. Without a loving Savior who lost His life for all of us, we would not get to experience the joy of salvation that we have now received.

I strive to be more like Jesus. Even though many people believed He had loss the battle at the cross, He really won the battle three days later. Jesus wasn’t selfish about it. He knew the loss would be a greater gain. That’s how I have to see it in my own life. A loss would be a greater gain. Maybe I don’t actually have to die to gain something great, but the loss I take in my own life could affect other people as well. But sometimes we have to trust and lose something for something better - no matter how long it will take. 

As I mentioned earlier, leaving the only church I had known for 12 years was really hard on me and in the moment, I never saw the “gain.” However, looking back 12 years later, I see the gain. If I would not have taken that loss, I would not have the wonderful friendships, and the great encounters with Jesus that I have had over the past several years. And above it all, I don’t know if my dad would have found Jesus. Leaving our church so many years ago is what got my Dad back in church and he eventually found the love of Jesus as his Savior. To me, that is the greatest gain from the terrible loss. We must always remember, “You will never be all the Lord has of you until you give all of you.” 

My encouragement to whomever is reading this is... let go, lose whatever you need to in order to get the greater gain. It may hurt, it may leave you heartbroken, but trust that better days are coming... And in the end, you will receive your “gain.”

P.S. As I said before, I was super upset when my family moved churches, but through it all I gained so much. One of my favorite “gains” is this little cutie. Just think, if I had not moved churches I wouldn’t have the best sleepovers with my favorite little girl!