“But what things were gain to me, those I counted
loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for
the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I
have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7-8
The old man stood on a spot of ground where his little home used to
be. He was grief-stricken. Why, oh, why, had this happened to him?
He tried to do right. Was God angry with him?
Just yesterday the flash flood came so fast and the water built up
so quickly it just swept his meager possessions away. It is true he
didn't have much, but it had taken a lifetime to get them. He
thought and thought but he did not get an answer to his dilemma.
Then, as he looked dejectedly down at the ground, which had been
swept clean by the flood, he saw something sparkling. Poking at it
with the toe of his old shoe, he noticed other sparkles here and
there.
Upon closer examination he found that the bits of sparkle were
actually gold! He was actually standing on great riches, but it took
his awful loss to reveal it. If everything else had not been swept
away he probably would never have discovered the gold.
It is easy to get caught up in the busy activities of life and
forget the things that really matter. God in His mercy often sends
storms that sweep away the vain temporary treasures that we may find
Him and eternal life.
Paul suffered the loss of everything he had worked for. But he said
he could not count it a loss because He had found Christ, the true
treasure! He lost his prestige among the strict Pharisees but God
send him to witness for Him before kings. Paul's name and life is
known throughout the world while the worldly dignitaries of his time
are all but forgotten.
How do we as Christians handle the storms of life that come? No
matter who we are, saint or sinner, trouble will come and it will
hurt. But it all depends on how we face our troubles. Do we give up
in deep despair or do we still, even while grieving our losses,
remain confident of God's wisdom, love, and power and move on with
hope into tomorrow?
Thomas Edison, the great inventor, was 67 years old when he suffered
the loss of a lifetime of work. A great fire destroyed his factory!
Yet the very next morning while walking among the smoldering rubble
of the buildings that had housed so many of his projects, Edison
said, "There is great value in disaster--all our mistakes are burned
up! Thank God we can start anew."
Abraham realized God was calling him to leave his birthplace and
follow wherever He led. First he gave up his home and family ties,
convinced that God would always be a Father to him and provide all
his needs. He gave up his inheritance to Lot, his selfish nephew, to
keep peace. He was even willing to give up Isaac when God told him
to offer him on Mt. Moriah. But through all the loss, God brought
him great gain. He became the "father of the faithful", an example
of the happiness and prosperity God reserves for those who are
willing to give up everything to follow Him. His life is still an
inspiration to all who hear it.
So no matter what hits our lives be like our dear brother Paul.
Forgetting the past let us press forward! When God liberates us from
our past by great loss it is only so that He may lead us to a
wealthier place, a deeper acquaintance with Him, and in the end,
eternal life!
