How do we deal with loss? Have you ever lost something that was very important to you? I recently dealt with a loss, and as I was looking to the Lord about it; He gave me a very specific three-step process for dealing with it:

1. Let Go
2. Be Flexible
3. Believe!

First, we need to let go of things we have needlessly clung to in order to receive the new and good thing that God wants to do for us. Real growth doesn’t always come from living under ideal circumstances. In fact, it usually comes during difficult situations and relying upon God through them. That is why God said to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9).  As we let go of what we have lost, God is faithful to replace it with something even better (I Cor. 2:9).

Secondly, we need to be flexible and embrace God’s new paradigm for us. When we are too rigid, we will not be able to follow the Spirit and embrace the new thing that God is wanting to give us. If we are not flexible and continue to adhere to our preconceived notions of how we think things ought to go – we will miss God! Life will never go exactly how we imagine it should and we cannot stop things from changing. The only thing that never changes (other than God) is that things will always change! Following the Holy Spirit requires us to be flexible.

Lastly, we must believe! Regardless of what may have been lost, God has something even greater for us! This is the God we serve; Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). How many of us have been through something that made us feel like we had lost so much, only to find out that God had something even better for us? Jesus came to give life “more abundantly” (John 10:10)!

Beloved, it is time to let go, be flexible, and believe! God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).