Dealing with loss of possessions – All that we have is borrowed to us by God

Imagine having everything that you ever wished for in life and living your dream life. It surely would seem like you are on top of everything and with millions of dollars in savings you’d believe you have enough cushion to keep all levels as you like forever. This is the life we all desire and it is expected from a sound person to have this mind-set. We are designed to believe that the life of great possession gives security to almost all life threats. One may even believe that it is impossible to see the wealthy going bankrupt and living in the streets ever in their lives. These are the likes of Bill Gates, Elon Mask, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and many others.

The aim of this post is to help readers deal better with loss of possession. When we know that it is only for a moment and by God given chance that we possess something, we deal better with losing it. Reality is, ‘for as long as something is not in our spirit, that thing has a potential of being taken away from us’. This applies even for body parts and dear loved ones to us. Therefore, it is ideal for me to remind us that all good gifts are given to us by God (James 1:17). As such when He lets them loose from our hand, nothing can be done to keep them in our possession unless His will permits.

Common possessions

1. Jobs provided by employers. A job is great possession as it provides recurring income. Having a stable job open opportunities to do many things.
2. Money. This is a liquid asset that makes one flexible to choose how s/he want enjoy life by spending it. Stable sources of income can make one believe that they are set for a good life.
3. Immovable assets. Often times such assets are the source of stable income. These are the likes of estates, mines and quarries.
4. Movable assets. These are basically personal belongings such as furniture, clothes, bags, cars, etc.
5. This is natural ability to do something(s) that others would find unique and appealing. Talent can be a source of income for some people. These are the likes of singings, drawing, sporting ability, etc.

I want to unveil three predicaments that can befall anyone at any time who hold any form of possessions in his/her hand, leaving them with no passions to boast about:

1. Theft/loss of possessions. It is not always the case that the devil uses other people to steal and disable owners of possessions but some get lost naturally. Think of a musician whose voice is worn out to the point that s/he can no longer sing in an appealing way. Similarly, think of a mine that has run dry of its natural deposits. Another major result of loss comes from forced relocation based on various unbearable circumstances. The devil can also cause someone to live under extreme expenses to maintain their life and health. This is another form of loss of possessions.
2. Natural disasters are a common cause of destruction. However, there are other causes such as wars and collapse due to wearing out or poor conditions of asserts.
3. Death. This is the ultimate loss that can befall people. It is true that it may not be considered a real loss when possessions are left as an inheritance to remaining family members. However, the owner himself/herself losses everything and carries none with them beyond the grave (Ecclesiastes 5:15; Job 1:21).

Dealing with loss

Let’s face it; dealing with loss is not easy. Some people die due to stress related health complications arising from loss of possession. Sometimes the cost of regaining possessions is higher than the possessions themselves, making it not a worthwhile activity. However, if there is something that you can do to recover all or part of your possessions, make that effort. Engage people who are enlightened on issues of recovery of lost possessions such as lawyers and police.

It is evident that God knew that we will be burdened with things that weigh us down sometimes and calls out to all those who may happen to be victims. He says, ‘Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7). This verse on its own should be enough to give comfort to the one who suffered loss but we then tune our minds to deal with loss in a more physical way.

Next are thoughts to ponder on to keep yourself stable in times of loss, especially when you know that you no longer will be able to recover your possessions.

1. It wasn’t meant to last more than now in my hands – based in that God gives and takes from our hands at will (Job 1:21).
2. Someone who needed it more than I did had to get it.
3. It could have been worse.
4. God saved me from harm the passion could have later caused me.
5. It serves as a reminder that I’m human like everybody else.
6. Others have lost far more than I have.
7. God will restore whatever has been lost (Deuteronomy 30:3).

Conclusion

It is normal to feel stupid to have fallen for a trap that got you losing some of your possessions. Human minds are limited in many ways and that should sink in our minds. No sound person can intentionally do something that will lead to regrettable losses. It is humane to make mistakes.

Be blessed.