When Everything is Stripped Away: Trusting God in Loss and Surrender

What If God Takes It All Away?

Have you ever experienced a time when everything you held dear was taken away? When life seemed to strip away all the comforts and security you had built? It's a challenging and disorienting experience, but it's one that many of us face at some point in our lives.

Living on Far Less

Six years ago, my family and I found ourselves in a situation where we had to downsize our home and drastically change our lifestyle. We were living comfortably, with a rising income and plans for the future. But then, God's providence intervened.

My oldest child began to face neurological challenges, and it consumed much of our attention and energy. At the same time, other pressures were mounting, including my declining health and my husband's demanding work schedule. In the midst of it all, we felt a deep conviction that God was leading us to let go of our financial comfort and the house we loved.

It was a difficult decision, and it left us with questions and a sense of nostalgia. We wondered why God would ask us to give up so much. But we knew that following God's leading was the right thing to do, even if it meant sacrificing our material possessions.

Biblical Perspective

As we navigated this season of loss and uncertainty, we sought comfort and guidance from the Bible. We discovered that our experiences were not unique, and that God often calls His people to let go of worldly possessions and trust in Him alone.

One example that resonated with us was the story of Job. Job was a man who had it all - wealth, health, and a loving family. But in a moment, everything was taken away from him. He lost his possessions, his children, and his health. Yet, in the midst of his suffering, Job remained faithful to God and trusted in His sovereignty.

"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

Job's response reminds us that everything we have ultimately comes from God, and He has the right to take it away if He so chooses. It is a humbling perspective that requires us to surrender our attachments to the things of this world and place our trust fully in God.

Another biblical example is found in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus instructs His followers not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, but to store up treasures in heaven. He reminds us that our true treasure is found in our relationship with God, not in material possessions. When we prioritize our relationship with Him, we can face the loss of worldly things with a perspective of eternal significance.

Lessons Learned

Through our own experience of losing it all, we have learned valuable lessons that continue to shape our lives. We have discovered that true joy and contentment are not found in material possessions, but in our relationship with God and obedience to His will.

Letting go of earthly comforts has allowed us to focus on what truly matters - loving God and loving others. It has challenged us to examine our priorities and to live with a mindset of eternal significance.

When everything is stripped away, we are forced to rely on God's provision and trust in His faithfulness. We have experienced His goodness and provision in ways we could have never imagined.

So, if you find yourself in a season of loss or uncertainty, I encourage you to hold onto the promises of God. Remember that He is in control and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Trust in His plan, even when it doesn't make sense, and seek His guidance through prayer and studying His Word.

Conclusion

Life has a way of taking away the things we hold dear. But in those moments, we have an opportunity to deepen our faith and grow closer to God. It is through loss and surrender that we discover the true source of joy and contentment - a relationship with our Creator.

So, if God takes it all away, trust that He has something greater in store for you. Embrace the journey of letting go and allow God to shape your heart and renew your perspective.