Not my image
Written by: Victor Mushimbami, Founder and Lead Blogger of Purpose Beyond Limits
I was recently asked to write about why it often seems that God takes away the blessings He has given us. This post is dedicated to Michael Lyoba here in Garneton East, Kitwe, Zambia. Michael once faced deep heartbreak and bitterness toward God because of this question, and it is my hope that these reflections bring comfort, clarity, and encouragement to him and others grappling with similar struggles.
Life often brings us moments of loss and pain that challenge our faith in God. For many, these moments can lead to bitterness, as it seems that God Himself has taken away the blessings He once gave. However, a deeper look at Scripture reveals that God’s nature and plan have always been rooted in love and restoration. This post will explore why God allows loss, how sin and the devil factor into our suffering, and how we can respond in faith, guided by biblical truth.
God's Original Design: A World Without Sorrow
In the beginning, God created a perfect world, filled with harmony, peace, and joy. Everything He made was declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31), reflecting His character of holiness, love, and wisdom. The Garden of Eden was a place of complete abundance and beauty, where humanity lived in direct fellowship with their Creator. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God (imago Dei), a term that carries profound significance in understanding God’s original design and humanity's purpose.
The Hebrew word for “image” (tselem) in Genesis 1:26-27 conveys the idea of representation. Humanity was created to reflect God’s character and rule over creation as His representatives. Just as a statue or image of a king symbolizes the king’s authority in a distant land, humanity was designed to display God’s dominion, creativity, and care in the world.
God entrusted Adam and Eve with the responsibility of stewarding creation, instructing them to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). This dominion was not meant to exploit creation but to care for it, mirroring God’s loving rule over all He had made. Humanity’s role as God’s image bearers was to embody His righteousness and holiness, growing in His likeness through obedience to His commands.
God’s intention was for Adam and Eve to become more like Him through a relationship of trust and obedience. Obedience to God’s Word was the means by which humanity would grow in understanding His nature and purposes. For example, God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden and commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from it (Genesis 2:16-17). This command was not arbitrary but served as a test of their trust in God’s wisdom and goodness.
By obeying God, Adam and Eve would demonstrate their dependence on Him as the source of all knowledge and life. In choosing obedience, they would align themselves with His perfect will and continue to enjoy the harmony and joy He intended for them.
However, the devil, described as “more cunning than any beast of the field” (Genesis 3:1), introduced a counterfeit purpose. His strategy was subtle yet devastating. Satan approached Eve with a question that sowed doubt about God’s goodness: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” (Genesis 3:1).
This question twisted God’s words, suggesting that His command was restrictive rather than protective. The devil’s ultimate goal was to undermine humanity’s trust in God by offering an alternative means to achieve a seemingly good purpose. He promised Eve, “You will not certainly die... For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5).
Satan’s promise of becoming “like God” was a direct appeal to the purpose for which humanity was created, to reflect God’s image. However, the means he proposed was disobedience, the very opposite of God’s command. This cunning strategy replaced trust in God with self-reliance and submission to God with rebellion.
Eve, deceived by the serpent’s words, saw that the tree was “good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6). She and Adam ate the fruit, believing that disobeying God would elevate them. Instead, their disobedience brought immediate separation from God, shame, and spiritual death.
Sin disrupted God’s perfect design, introducing death, pain, and sorrow into the world. Adam and Eve’s disobedience fractured their relationship with God, with each other, and with creation. The harmony of Eden was replaced by toil, suffering, and conflict (Genesis 3:16-19). Yet even in their rebellion, God’s original design for humanity was not erased. The image of God remained, though marred by sin, and His purpose to restore humanity to Himself began to unfold.
God’s original design was for humanity to flourish under His care, growing in His likeness through obedience and trust. The devil’s counterfeit purpose offered the illusion of becoming like God but led to disobedience and separation. By understanding the deception that led to humanity’s fall, we can better grasp the importance of trusting God and living according to His Word.
The Enemy of Our Souls: Sin and the Devil
The Bible clearly identifies the devil as the origin of sin and the ultimate adversary of humanity. Jesus called him “a murderer from the beginning” and “the father of lies” (John 8:44), exposing his role in corrupting God’s perfect creation. The devil’s rebellion against God led him to deceive humanity, introducing sin into the world.
Satan’s deceit in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-6) was the catalyst for humanity’s fall. By twisting God’s words and sowing doubt about His goodness, the devil lured Adam and Eve into disobedience. This rebellion had catastrophic consequences, bringing death into a world designed for life. As Paul explains in Romans 5:12, “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
The devil’s goal has always been to destroy what God created to be good. His strategy involves lies, accusations, and temptations that lead people away from God and into bondage. Revelation 12:9 describes him as “the great dragon... that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.”
Sin, once introduced, became a pervasive force, corrupting every aspect of human life and creation. It is not merely an action but a condition that affects the heart, mind, and will. James 1:14-15 provides insight into the progression of sin:
Desire: Temptation begins with a desire that conflicts with God’s will.
Conception: When desire is nurtured, it gives birth to sin.
Growth: Sin, when unrepented and unchecked, grows and takes root in a person’s life.
Death: The ultimate outcome of sin is death, both physical and spiritual.
This process reveals the devastating power of sin to enslave and destroy. Its consequences include separation from God (Isaiah 59:2), broken relationships, and a world filled with suffering.
It is crucial to understand that God is not the source of humanity’s pain and sorrow. The true enemies are sin and the devil, who work together to undermine God’s plan for creation. The devil introduced sin, and sin, in turn, gave birth to death (Romans 6:23). Every loss, heartache, and tragedy can be traced back to this original rebellion.
Yet, even in the face of such devastation, God’s desire has always been to rescue and redeem His creation. Through Christ, He offers victory over sin and the devil, restoring what was lost. As Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:57, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Understanding the enemy of our souls helps us to resist despair and turn our hearts toward God. Sin and the devil may seek to destroy, but God’s love and power are greater, offering hope and restoration to all who trust in Him.
God's Plan of Restoration: Calling Humanity Back to Him
Even after the fall of humanity, God did not abandon His creation. From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God, He began His work of restoration. Throughout the pages of the Old Testament, we see a God who relentlessly pursues His people, longing to restore the fellowship that was lost in Eden. Though humanity's rebellion introduced sin and suffering into the world, God’s love and faithfulness never wavered. His plan to restore creation, and to bring humanity back into relationship with Himself, was unfolding through His covenants and promises.
God’s covenant-making with humanity reveals His enduring desire to reconcile and restore. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood and giving a sign of His promise in the rainbow (Genesis 9:8-17). This covenant marked the first step in God’s plan of restoration, providing hope even in the aftermath of judgment.
With Abraham, God established a covenant that would bless all nations through his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). This promise of blessing pointed forward to the coming Messiah, who would bring salvation not only to Israel but to the entire world. God’s promise to Abraham was a continuation of His original purpose: to restore the world to its intended perfection, where God's people would live under His rule in peace and harmony.
Through Moses, God gave the covenant to Israel, making them His chosen people, a nation set apart to reflect His holiness to the world (Exodus 19:5-6). The law was given to guide them toward righteousness, showing them how to live in alignment with God’s character. However, as we see throughout the Old Testament, Israel’s repeated failure to obey the law highlighted the inability of humanity to restore themselves. Still, God remained faithful, continually calling them to repentance and pointing forward to a greater hope: the coming of a Savior.
Despite God’s constant faithfulness, humanity often rejected His call to return to Him. The prophets, such as Isaiah, mourned Israel’s rebellion. Isaiah 53:6 poignantly describes the waywardness of humanity: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” Instead of returning to God, the people continually chose their own paths, pursuing idols and living in disobedience. Yet, even in the face of such rejection, God’s love remained steadfast.
The prophets not only lamented the people’s disobedience but also proclaimed God’s promise of a Savior, a Redeemer who would one day crush the head of the serpent and restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3:15, God gave the first glimmer of this hope, declaring that the seed of the woman would defeat the serpent: “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This was a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who would come to defeat Satan, sin, and death once and for all.
In the New Testament, the promise of restoration was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. He came as the long-awaited Savior, the promised seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus dealt with the root cause of humanity’s suffering, sin. As Paul writes in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus defeated sin and death, offering eternal life to all who would believe in Him.
Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate victory over death, the final enemy that entered the world through sin. His triumph ensures that death no longer has the final word, and it marks the beginning of the restoration of all things. As Jesus Himself declared in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This eternal life is not just a future hope; it begins now, as we are reconciled to God through Christ and begin to experience His kingdom in our lives.
God’s ultimate goal is to bring humanity back to the perfection of Eden, where sorrow, pain, and death have no place. The Apostle John provides a glimpse of this future in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This vision of a new heaven and a new earth is the culmination of God’s restoration plan, where everything will be made new, and humanity will once again live in perfect fellowship with God.
In this restored creation, the effects of sin will be completely undone. Death and suffering will be no more, and God's people will enjoy eternal life in His presence. This is the hope that believers have in Christ, the assurance that God is at work, even in the midst of a broken world, to restore all things.
God’s plan of restoration calls us to return to Him. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has made a way for us to be reconciled to God, but it is up to us to respond to His call. In the midst of a world filled with suffering and brokenness, we are called to trust in God’s promise of eternal life and restoration. We are invited to experience the peace and joy that come from living in obedience to Him, knowing that He is at work to bring about the fullness of His kingdom.
As we await the final restoration, we are called to be agents of reconciliation in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and living as a reflection of His love and truth. In doing so, we participate in God’s ongoing work of bringing the world back to His original design, one where there is no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more death.
Why Does God Allow Loss?
Loss is one of the most painful experiences in life, and when it strikes, it can feel as though God has taken something precious from us. We may question why God allows such things to happen, especially when it involves deep pain, grief, or hardship. However, Scripture reveals that loss is not necessarily a direct result of God's action, but rather the consequence of living in a fallen world where sin, suffering, and the devil's influence are at work.
One of the clearest illustrations of God allowing loss is found in the story of Job. Job was a man of great integrity, known for his righteousness and unwavering faith in God. Yet, despite his faithfulness, he experienced immense suffering, losing his wealth, his health, and his family. Job’s loss was not a punishment from God, but rather a result of Satan’s attacks. In Job 1:6-12, we learn that Satan sought to test Job’s faith, and God allowed it, knowing that Job’s faith would endure the trial.
Job’s response to his suffering is significant. In Job 1:21, he declared, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job’s statement reflects his trust in God’s sovereignty. While he experienced overwhelming pain, he did not attribute the suffering to God’s arbitrary will. Instead, Job recognized that both blessings and losses come from the hand of God, and in both circumstances, God is to be worshipped and trusted.
It’s important to recognize that Satan, not God, is the one who causes much of the suffering and loss we experience. Satan’s ultimate goal is to destroy God’s creation and to bring suffering into our lives, trying to weaken our faith and separate us from God. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan introduced sin into the world and continues to use it as a tool to cause death, suffering, and loss (Genesis 3).
However, God, in His sovereignty, permits Satan’s actions within certain limits. While God does not cause suffering, He does allow it, often for purposes that are beyond our immediate understanding. Like Job, we may not always see the reason for our suffering, but we can trust that God is still in control, and that He has a purpose in allowing it. Just as God restored Job’s fortunes at the end of his trial, we can trust that God will work in our lives for His glory and our good, even when we face loss.
When we experience loss, it is easy to think that God has abandoned us or that He is punishing us. However, the Bible assures us that God works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This does not mean that God causes bad things to happen, but rather that He is able to bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances. Losses in life are not punishments from God but opportunities to deepen our trust in Him.
Loss teaches us to rely not on the temporary things of this world but on the eternal promises of God. It forces us to let go of what we hold dear, acknowledging that our ultimate security is not in our possessions, relationships, or circumstances, but in God alone. In the midst of loss, we can draw near to God, knowing that He is our comfort and our refuge. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
One of the most important truths we must cling to during times of loss is that God is sovereign. While we may not understand why certain things happen, we can trust that God is still in control. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Even when life seems uncertain, God’s plan for our lives remains unchanged. Just as He worked through Job’s suffering to ultimately bless him, God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of hardship.
God’s sovereignty means that nothing in our lives happens outside of His knowledge or His permission. While Satan may attempt to destroy us, God limits his power and will ultimately use even our greatest losses to fulfill His purposes. Our response, like Job’s, should be one of faith and trust in God’s goodness, even when we do not understand the reasons for our suffering.
When we face loss, it is important to remember that God is not the one who causes our pain, but He is the one who will walk with us through it. Loss is a part of living in a fallen world, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow in faith and trust. Like Job, we can declare, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” knowing that He is with us in our suffering and that He is ultimately in control.
In the midst of loss, we are called to turn to God, to trust in His sovereignty, and to believe that He will work all things for good. Though we may not always understand the reasons for our suffering, we can be confident that God is using it to refine us, to deepen our relationship with Him, and to prepare us for the eternal restoration that He promises. Just as Job’s story ended with restoration, so too will ours, as God fulfills His perfect plan for our lives.
Living in the Devil's World: Trusting God in the Midst of Sorrow
The Bible paints a stark picture of the world we live in, describing it as under the sway of the evil one, Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:4 calls him “the god of this world” who blinds the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the glory of God in the gospel. This world, corrupted by sin, reflects the character of the devil, not the perfect goodness of God. Revelation 12:9 identifies Satan as “the deceiver of the whole world,” and 1 John 5:19 reminds us, “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” These verses highlight the reality of the fallen world and the pervasive influence of Satan over it. As believers, it is crucial to understand that the sorrow, pain, and suffering we experience are consequences of living in this world, which is influenced and shaped by sin and the devil.
When God created the world, it was good, a perfect reflection of His holiness and love. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, the world became corrupted, and the effects of that sin spread throughout all of creation. Satan, as the instigator of the fall, introduced rebellion and sin into the world, and ever since, the world has been under his influence. As the "prince of this world" (John 12:31), Satan has twisted God's good creation, causing pain, suffering, and confusion. His lies and deception keep many in spiritual darkness, unable to see God's truth or understand His ways. This is why the world often feels like a hostile place, where evil seems to prosper and where suffering is rampant.
While the world reflects Satan's character, it is important to note that this is not God's design. God's original plan for creation was a world filled with peace, joy, and harmony. It was sin and Satan's deceit that introduced the suffering we experience today. Yet, as believers, we are not left without hope. Though we live in a world that is corrupted by sin, we can trust that God has not abandoned us to the forces of evil. He continues to sustain and protect His people, even in the midst of the devil’s influence.
Though we live in the devil's world, God does not leave us to face it alone. Jesus, knowing that His followers would be left in a world dominated by Satan’s influence, prayed for their protection. In John 17:15, He said, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” This prayer reveals Jesus’ desire for God to guard His people against the schemes and influence of Satan. Even though we remain in this fallen world, we are not at the mercy of the evil one. God promises to keep His people safe, shielding us from the attacks of the enemy.
This does not mean that we will be free from suffering or hardship, but it does mean that God will protect us spiritually, helping us to stand firm in faith even in the midst of sorrow. As believers, we are called to be “in the world, but not of the world” (John 17:16), living according to God’s values and not the world’s. God, in His grace, has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us, guide us, and comfort us as we navigate life in a world that is not our ultimate home.
Living in the devil’s world means that sorrow, pain, and suffering are inevitable. We are confronted daily with the reality of sin’s effects in our own lives and in the world around us. Yet, it is in the midst of sorrow that our trust in God is most crucial. When we experience loss, hardship, or persecution, we are called to look to God for comfort and strength. It is easy to become discouraged and to question God’s goodness when faced with suffering, but Scripture assures us that God is with us in our pain.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God does not abandon us when we face sorrow; instead, He draws near to us, offering His presence and His peace. In moments of difficulty, we are invited to trust in God’s sovereignty and to remember that He is working in and through our suffering for our good. As Romans 8:28 teaches, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Furthermore, our hope is not in this world but in the eternal life that God promises to those who trust in Him. Revelation 21:4 speaks of the ultimate restoration that awaits believers: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This promise reminds us that the sorrow we experience now is temporary, and God is working to bring about a perfect, eternal kingdom where there will be no more suffering.
While the devil may have influence in this world, we must remember that his power is limited. Jesus has already defeated Satan through His death and resurrection, and the ultimate victory belongs to God. In Matthew 12:29, Jesus speaks of binding the strong man, Satan, indicating that His power over the enemy is greater than Satan's power over us. Additionally, Revelation 20:1-3 speaks of the binding of Satan for a thousand years, demonstrating that Satan’s influence is not eternal. His ultimate defeat is certain, and believers can take comfort in knowing that God has already secured the victory.
Though Satan still roams the earth, seeking to deceive and destroy, his time is limited. The power of God is greater than the power of the devil, and believers are not without hope. We can trust in God’s protection, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory over sin and Satan.
Living in a world that reflects the devil’s character can be discouraging, but as believers, we are called to trust in the God who is greater than the evil that surrounds us. We are not left defenseless in this world; God’s protection, His presence, and His promises sustain us. While we experience sorrow and pain in this fallen world, we can trust that God is with us, that He is working all things for good, and that He will one day restore all things to their original design.
As we face the challenges of living in a world ruled by the devil, let us remember that we are not without hope. We serve a God who is greater than the enemy, and we can trust in His sovereign care. Let us look to Jesus, who has already won the victory, and trust in the eternal hope that He offers, knowing that our ultimate home is not in this world, but in the perfect, restored kingdom of God.
Binding the Strong Man: God's Victory Over Satan
In Mark 3:27, Jesus describes His mission as binding “the strong man,” a reference to Satan, in order to plunder his house. This metaphor illustrates Christ’s authority and His work of defeating the enemy and liberating those held captive by sin and darkness. The strong man, representing Satan, had dominion over the world, but Jesus came to break his hold over humanity. By binding Satan, Jesus took away his power and authority, setting the stage for the redemption of mankind.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus achieved a decisive victory over the powers of darkness. Colossians 2:15 declares, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” In this powerful act, Jesus not only defeated sin and death but also disarmed the spiritual forces that sought to keep humanity in bondage. He rendered Satan and his forces powerless, stripping them of their ability to hold believers in captivity.
Although Satan is still active in the world, his power is now limited. The victory of Christ on the cross marked the beginning of his ultimate defeat. This is the final and complete victory over Satan, which Christ secured through His sacrifice and resurrection. The battle has already been won, and Satan’s fate is sealed.
For believers, this means that while we still live in a world influenced by the devil, we are no longer under his power. Jesus has set us free, and we are called to live in the victory He has won for us. The enemy may continue to wage war, but he has already been defeated. Our victory is assured through Jesus, and we can confidently stand against the schemes of the devil, knowing that Christ has already overcome him.
This truth is not just a future hope but a present reality. As we face spiritual battles and the challenges of living in a fallen world, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has bound the strong man and has given us authority over the powers of darkness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist the devil and stand firm in the victory that Christ has secured.
The reality of Jesus’ victory over Satan should shape how we live as believers. We are not called to fear the enemy, for he has already been defeated. Instead, we are called to live in the power and authority of Christ, taking hold of the freedom He has won for us. As we face temptation, spiritual warfare, and the challenges of life, we can remember that the victory has already been secured.
In Luke 10:19, Jesus said, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This promise reminds us that we are not helpless in the face of the enemy’s schemes. Jesus has empowered us to overcome Satan’s attacks and to live victoriously.
The victory of Christ is not just for us to enjoy in the future, but something that we can experience and walk in today. By living in the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit and relying on the truth of God’s Word, we can stand firm against the devil’s schemes and live lives that reflect the victory Christ has won for us.
In summary, Jesus’ mission to bind the strong man and plunder his house marks the beginning of Satan’s ultimate defeat. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has disarmed the powers of darkness and triumphed over them. While Satan still operates in the world, his power is now limited, and his defeat is certain. Believers are no longer under the enemy’s control but are free to live in the victory Christ has won.
As we face spiritual battles, let us remember that the victory is already ours in Christ. We are called to stand firm in the power of His might, knowing that the ultimate triumph over Satan has already been secured. Let this truth give us hope and confidence as we live in the freedom that Jesus has provided, trusting in His sovereign power to overcome the enemy in our lives.
Responding to Loss: Faith in God's Promise
Loss is a painful and often overwhelming experience. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a dream, or something dear to our hearts, it can be tempting to wrestle with God, questioning His motives or His goodness. In these moments, we must remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans are good, even when they don’t align with our immediate desires or understanding. Rather than fighting against God in times of loss, we are called to trust in His sovereignty and His promise to prepare a place for us, as He assured His disciples in John 14:2-3:
"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
This promise points to the eternal hope that we have in Christ. Loss in this life is temporary, but the glory of being with God in eternity far outweighs the trials and sorrows we face here on earth. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” In the midst of grief and loss, it can be difficult to see the bigger picture, but God’s Word reminds us that there is an eternal perspective that surpasses the pain of this present world. While our suffering may seem heavy in the moment, it is, in fact, working in us a glory that will never fade.
In times of loss, there may be a temptation to find solace in the world’s comforts and pleasures. However, Scripture warns against loving the world, for its fleeting nature and its ties to the devil’s domain lead only to destruction. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are cautioned:
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
Loving the world and its temporary pleasures ultimately means bowing to the devil’s influence, as the world is under the sway of the evil one (1 John 5:19). The devil’s purpose is to distract us from the eternal promises of God, offering substitutes that are hollow and short-lived. In response to loss, we are called to resist the temptation to cling to the world’s comforts, which ultimately cannot satisfy or heal. Instead, we are called to seek God’s kingdom and trust in His plan to restore all things, even through our pain.
Rather than turning to the world for comfort, we are encouraged to focus on God’s kingdom. Jesus Himself instructed His followers in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
In moments of loss, this means choosing to place our hope not in temporary things, but in the eternal truth that God is working to restore all that was broken by sin. Jesus promised that He is preparing a place for us, and that one day, He will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). Our loss is not the final word. God’s restoration plan is the ultimate reality, and we are invited to live in light of this promise, trusting that God is faithful to complete what He has started in us (Philippians 1:6).
While the pain of loss is real, it is not permanent. God has given us the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, a hope that sustains us through every trial. Instead of fighting against God in our grief, we are called to trust in His sovereignty, His love, and His perfect plan. The loss we experience is not the end, but part of a much greater story, a story in which God will restore all things, and where we will be united with Him in a place where sorrow and death will be no more.
When faced with loss, we must resist the temptation to fight against God, knowing that He is good and faithful. Instead, we are called to look up to Him, trusting His promise to prepare a place for us, where we will experience eternal joy and peace. In the meantime, we are urged not to love the fleeting pleasures of the world, but to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that He is at work, restoring all things. Even in sorrow, we can have hope, for the glory to come far outweighs the struggles of this present world. May we fix our eyes on the eternal promises of God, knowing that our pain will one day give way to the eternal glory that He has prepared for us.
Conclusion
Hope in a Broken World
Loss and sorrow are inevitable in a fallen world, but they are not the final word. God’s plan of restoration, accomplished through Christ, offers us hope and a future. While the devil seeks to destroy, God’s love remains steadfast, guiding us toward the day when He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
Michael, and anyone else reading this, let us respond to loss not with bitterness but with faith, trusting that God is working to bring us back to His original design, a world without pain, death, or sorrow.
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Powerful God bless you man of God
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