FOUR-STAGE PATH TO RECOVERY FROM LOSSES

MONDAY, 26TH JUNE, 2023.

By: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

Topic:  FOUR-STAGE PATH TO RECOVERY FROM LOSSES

MEMORIZE: "And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."  Job 1:21.

SCRIPTURE READING: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, 6

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; … 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”

EXPOSITION:

Loss and gain are daily experiences of humanity. Though no one pray for loss, yet it do happen. Losses such as financial loss, material loas, loss of loved ones, loss of reputation, loss of dignity, loss of trust or confidence in people around you, etc. The physical and emotional response to loss is grief, tears and emotional downcast. 

RESEARCHERS at the Colorado Institute of Grief offer us this helpful four-stage path to recovery. 

Stage one – SHOCK. Our initial response is one of denial and disbelief. “I can’t believe this is happening…it’s not real!” There is a numbing of our senses, a God-designed natural “anesthesia” that buffers the early blow and allows us time to gather our coping mechanisms. 

Stage two – PROTEST. We feel anger and resentment against God, yet we feel guilty for blaming Him. We may blame ourselves, the doctors, the patient, and question God’s love and faithfulness—even bargaining with Him. “If You will just do a miracle and bring them back, I will…” 

Stage three – DISORGANIZATION. Everything comes apart at the seams. The lifestyle we knew and loved unravels. The dreams we cherished evaporate. We feel hopeless, powerless, lost in a strange, empty universe. Secondary losses may loom: financial insecurity, social dislocation, depression, loss of concentration, etc. We’re convinced that life will never be normal again. We survive moment to moment, afraid to anticipate the road ahead. 

Stage four – REORGANIZATION. Unrelenting grief gives way to waves of sadness varying in frequency and intensity. We begin to accept and accommodate our loss. The energy we expended on grief work becomes available again, enabling us to adjust to the demands and opportunities of our new lifestyle. Slowly we reemerge and take hold of the reins again. The process will take many months, and full recovery even years. But God promises it will come! There will be “a time to heal…build up…laugh…dance…gain!” (Ecclesiastes 3:3-4, 6 NKJV). 

PRAYER POINT:  Lord, be in our life’s situations our comforter and restorer in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Psalms 113-116.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE. It is an extraction of God’s word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word. Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com