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 faith
We are to live lives of joy

We are to live lives of faith
We are to live lives of joy
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy.…
Galatians 5:22

We are to live lives of faith
We are to live lives of joy
We are to live lives of thankfulness

We are to live lives of faith
We are to live lives of joy
We are to live lives of thankfulness
…give thanks, in all circumstances, for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:18

The Reality of Life

The Reality of Life
We suffer loss

We Suffer Loss-
• Death of a family member or friend
• Job (fired, laid off or company sold)
• A friend moves away
• We are cheated out of money
• Our dreams / hopes are dashed
• Or, Our beloved Pastor leaves

What is Our Response?
What Would a Christ-like Response Be?

Dianne Gobel Meyer

Dianne Gobel Meyer

How to Deal with Loss

How to Deal with Loss
3. We have to admit truth…
God’s truth and the truth about the
situation

How to Deal with Loss
2. We make bad and/or sinful decisions
Confess your sins to each other and pray for
each another that you may be healed.
James 5:16

How to Deal with Loss
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

How to Deal with Loss
4. Jesus affirms the reality of grief
“Jesus wept” over the death of Lazarus.
John 11:35
My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the
point of death. Mark 14:34
Woman, why are you crying? Who is it
you’re looking for? John 20:15

Loss Grid Exercise
Rejoice
Christ-Like Future
Person Loss Reaction
Response Reality & Give
Thanks
Judas Betrayed Troubled Served He Left Trust God

Personal Application
• Our own life situation
• This is hard work…
being truthful and building faith
• Letting the Holy Spirit work in us
to build faith, joy and
thankfulness