Gaining Through Loss: Discovering God's Purpose in Pain

What We Gain When God Takes Away

Loss is a universal experience. We all experience it at some point in our lives, whether it is the loss of a loved one, a job, a home, or a dream. Loss can be devastating, leaving us feeling empty, confused, and alone.

But what if I told you that there is something we can gain from loss? What if I told you that God gives us something when He takes away?

It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s true. In fact, it’s biblical. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God taking away in order to give.

The Story of Job

Perhaps the best-known example is the story of Job. Job was a wealthy man who had everything a person could want: a large family, a thriving business, and a good reputation in the community. But one day, everything was taken away from him. His children died, his business was destroyed, and his health was ruined.

If anyone had the right to complain, it was Job. But instead of cursing God, he fell to the ground and worshiped Him. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Through his loss, Job gained a deeper understanding of God’s character and a stronger faith in Him. He said, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you” (Job 42:5).

The Story of Joseph

Another example of God taking away in order to give is the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph was the favorite son of his father Jacob, and his brothers were jealous of him. They sold him into slavery in Egypt, where he was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison.

But through a series of events, Joseph was eventually elevated to a position of great power in Egypt. He was able to use his position to save his family from a famine and reunite with them.

Joseph said to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).

Through his loss, Joseph gained a greater purpose and a chance to help others.

The Story of Jesus

The ultimate example of God taking away in order to give is the story of Jesus. Jesus was God’s only Son, and He came to earth to save humanity from sin. But in order to do that, He had to suffer and die on the cross.

Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

Through His death, Jesus gained the opportunity to reconcile us to God and give us eternal life.

What We Gain When God Takes Away

So, what do we gain when God takes away?

1. A Deeper Understanding of God

When we experience loss, we have an opportunity to see God in a new light. We can see Him as a God who is loving, compassionate, and faithful, even in the midst of our pain. We can see Him as a God who is in control, even when everything around us feels out of control.

As the psalmist wrote, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

2. A Stronger Faith

When we face loss, our faith is tested. We have to decide whether we will continue to trust God, even when things don’t make sense.

As James wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3).

Through our loss, we can gain a faith that is unshakeable and a trust in God that goes beyond our circumstances.

3. A Greater Purpose

When we experience loss, we may feel like our lives have been turned upside down. But God can use our pain and suffering for a greater purpose. He can use it to help others who are going through similar struggles.

As Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).

Through our loss, we can gain a greater purpose and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

Conclusion

Loss is never easy, but we can take heart in the fact that God is with us in our pain. He is a God who takes away, but He is also a God who gives. He gives us a deeper understanding of Himself, a stronger faith in Him, and a greater purpose in life.

As the apostle Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

So, if you are experiencing loss right now, know that God is with you. He sees your pain and He cares for you. He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).

And remember, what God takes away, He can also give back in abundance.