THE FAITH TO LET GO

          Love is a wonderful thing - - it is what makes life on planet earth so enjoyable.  How terribly sad it would be to live in a world without love.  While it is good to hold those we love ever so tightly, the time will come when we must let go.  Whether it be our mates; grandparents or parents; children or grandchildren; dear friends; beloved Christians or even our puppy dog, we invariably must come to grips with the reality that NONE LIVE FOREVER (as least not on earth).  Part of our journey is learning to let go and entrust the future to our Father in heaven who is not only sovereign, but also a Father of mercies and God of all comfort (2Cor.1:3).  Walking by faith rather than sight (2Cor.5:7) challenges us greatly, especially when the loss we experience is so profoundly painful. 

          In the Old Testament we read the ancient story of Job.  The opening chapter of his story rapidly chronicles a terrible ending.  In one fell swoop, this noble patriarch lost all of his children - - a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four cor-ners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died (Job.1:18-19).  In a moment’s flash Job was tasked with learning to let go of those he held so tightly.  Job’s initial response was to profess what he knew to be true:  the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job.1:21b).  But then Job began to question God (Job.13:15), with argumentations fueled by his friends. After days mired in faulty reasoning, the Lord spoke to Job - - will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? (Job.40:1).  So let us hold those we love tightly, but when it comes time to let go, let us cry to the Lord but let’s not dare to cry against the Lord.         

                                                  Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ