Overcoming Loss with Trust in God: A Path to Hope

Going through loss, whether a loved one or relationship causes pain. Naturally, it’s something we don’t like, and look for ways to soften it.

We can go through several negative ways to overcome the situation, denying the truth, drinking, anger, and many different ways to make it worse.

The best way is to build trust in God which will lead to a path of hope and relief from the pain. Let’s look at the example of Hannah in the Bible.

Hannah was married to Elkanah but he also had another wife, Peninnah. That could be enough for conflict in itself, but Peninnah had many children and Hannah had none.

Once a year, Elkanah went to Shiloh to worship God. He gave Peninnah and all her children portions of the meat and Hannah a double portion because He loved her and God had closed her womb.

Well, Peninnah delighted in provoking Hannah because she didn’t have children and this continued for many years. Finally, on a trip to Shiloh, Peninnah caused Hannah so much pain, she began to cry and would not eat.

Elkanah didn’t understand. He thought he should be enough for her without children.

Hannah then went before the Lord and unburden her heart and soul.

“In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’” 1 Samuel 1:10 NIV

Eli, the priest was watching her and thought she was drunk.

“’Not so, my lord,’” Hannah replied, “’I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.‘

Eli answered, “’Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.’”

She said, “’May your servant find favor in your eyes.’” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 

So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “’Because I asked the Lord for him.’” 1 Samuel 1:17-20 NIV

We cannot understand the pain a woman without a child at this time went through. Their whole life was wrapped around having children. A woman based her credibility on having many children. So Hannah really was suffering even without Peninnah provoking her.

But there are many women who have experienced problems with having children and they can relate to Hannah’s problem.

When her pain became unbearable, she took it to the Lord. Because of her faith in Him, He granted her prayer. Notice, after she prayed, she ate and her face changed, she was no longer downcast. She trusted the Lord was going to help her in her suffering.

We will be discussing how to go from loss to hope by trusting God. Here is the path:

• The Initial Loss
• Moving to Trust
• Path to Hope
• Conclusion

The Initial Loss

Why does loss happen?

Matthew 16:33 NIV “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”

I would love to say as a Christian, you will not suffer. Sorry, we live in a broken world and we are here to be witnesses to the lost. If the Lord takes us immediately to Him at salvation, how can we do that?

Remember Christ suffered greatly. He was persecuted during His life on earth and as well in His death. If He suffered, why should we not suffer?

We have a gift from Jesus to help us overcome our suffering. He overcame the world, we can too. It may not be all sunshine and roses, but His strength gives us joy.

Remember God

When we experience suffering, our emotions can take over. Becoming disoriented with life around us can take our focus off God.

God has made a promise to His children when they encounter suffering.

Psalm 34:17-19 NIV “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;”

The first step here is trust in God. You have to believe this and apply to your life for it to work. It seems simple, and it is.

God is waiting for you to trust Him. Let Him have your burden and sorrow.

Moving from Loss to Trust

There are many emotions when we are going through difficult situations. The Lord has answers which encourages our heart for all of them and builds our trust in Him.

Fear

Psalm 56:3 NIV “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Stress

Isaiah 26:3 NIV “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.”

Heartache

Psalm 147:3 NIV “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Our God deals with us on a personal level. When Jesus Christ became human, he experienced life as we do. Knowing what we have been through, He is able to help us.

What we need is to look past our emotions and remember what scripture says. If you have been a Christian for very long, you have experienced God’s help and comfort. Think on these times to encourage your heart. Look at scripture and see the examples of people that have trusted God during difficult situations.

The way to overcome suffering and loss is to put your trust in a God who cares for you. His peace and comfort comes from your trust in Him.

The Path to Hope

1. We begin with loss, our hearts are broken, life seems dark and we are left without someone or something that we hold dear. The burden seems overwhelming and we are weak.

What does God say to us?

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

This is Paul’s response to God. He wanted to rely on God in everything so He could have His strength.

2. Next, we need to move toward hope. To go forward, that requires trust in God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

This applies to times of loss as well as when we need guidance. When we rely on our emotions, we are leaning on our own understanding. We need to acknowledge that His path is best and then He can help us.

3. The path to comfort and healing becomes easier as we arrive at hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 NIV

The God of what? Hope. He gives what? All joy and peace. In what? Believing-TRUST. And back to? Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

Loss is not easy and is not overcome quickly. It is painful and difficult but the Lord can make it better.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

From loss to trust to hope. In my own experience, this is the only way I have been able to cope with several losses in my life.

My daughter has experienced loss in several ways, her husband and her 21- year- old daughter. She has been asked, “How have you done it?” Her answer, “Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ”.

For any questions please comment below. -Jackie