John Vawter: Finding God in the Midst of Loss
Click here to listen to Interim Senior Pastor John Vawter teach us about Finding God in the Midst of Loss.
INTRODUCTORY CHALLENGE
We are to live lives of FAITH
…everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23
We are to live lives of JOY
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy… Galations 5:22
We are to live lives of THANKFULNESS
…give thanks, in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
THE REALITY OF LIFE
We suffer loss
-Death of a family member or friend
-Job (fired, laid off, or company sold)
-A friend moves away
-Our dreams/hopes are dashed
-or, Our beloved pastor leaves
WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE? WHAT WOULD A CHRIST-LIKE RESPONSE BE?
Diane Gobel Meyer
HOW TO DEAL WITH LOSS
1. We have to admit TRUTH…God’s TRUTH and the TRUTH about the situation
2. We make BAD and/or/SINFUL decisions
Confess your sins to each other and pray for one another that you may be healed. James 5:16
3. We are INNOCENT VICTIMS
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling… Philippians 2:12
Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34
4. Jesus affirms the REALITY of GRIEF
“Jesus wept” over the death of Lazarus. John 11:35
My soul is overwhelmed with sorry to the point of death. Mark 14:34
woman, why are you crying? Who is it you’re looking for? John 20:15
THE LOSS GRID EXERCISE
Person
Loss
Reaction
Christ-like Response
Future Reality
Rejoice and give thanks
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Our own LIFE SITUATION
This is HARD WORKING…being TRUTHFUL and building FAITH
Letting the Holy Spirit WORK IN US to build FAITH, JOY, and THANKFULNESS