I have 2 couples in my life who are in the process of IVF. When a couple gets to the point of IVF, you know they’ve been trying to have a baby for a long, long time.
I have several other people in my life who are grieving over the death of a loved one. Even though they have assurance that their loved one is in heaven, they still miss the deceased terribly.
A colleague of mine coined the phrase, “Pastoring is the art of walking with people through longing and loss.” Wow. This is so true. Because of the brokenness in the world, each one of us are constantly always longing a dream that has not yet become a reality, or grieving the loss of something we never desired to loose.
Think about it. During every season of our life we are either longing for something, or loosing something – sometimes both!
For what are you longing? A relationship? Financial provision? A child? An empty nest? Healing from illness? Retirement?
What are you grieving that you have lost? A job? A marriage? A loved one? An opportunity? An ability?
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
You’re not alone if you are in a state of longing or loss. In fact, the rest of humanity is right with you. However, that certainly doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult.
Longing and loss are HARD. Rest in the assurance that your God will supply all of your needs. God sees your unmet desires and your unexpected losses. Don’t be afraid to share your hurt with God. He sees you in the waiting!