Things taken away

For many of us, one of our goals becomes to continually gain more of something. For many, it is to gain greater wealth, for others the goal is greater physical strength or abilities, and some seek beauty. While these personal goals are slightly different, a common concern for each is that some or all of these might be taken away. When a person strives to gain a particular goal, all struggles to gain that goal seem worthwhile, but when things are removed, the person may feel disappointed, or depressed, even frightened that more will be taken away. When these things happen, Christian need to review the ways God has dealt with His creation in the past. When we read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for encouragement, He might help us recall Job, who lost a great many things, “And 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 (ESV). Later, when the people of God struggled, Isaiah was given this message, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isa. 41:10 (ESV). As we think about our lives and accomplishments, we should consider that these possessions were provided in some way by God. We should be grateful that we had them for a time. A scripture that may help is, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” – Phil. 4:19 (ESV). Whatever we have will be enough if we understand we will have all we really need. We should also be careful about the things we desire because, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” – Gal. 6:7-8 (ESV).” Loosing things we have desired and worked for can be a struggle, but we need to remember that the indwelling Holy Spirit is within us and will never be taken away. He will help us, if we will rely on Him.