“Well then, hang on!” life says, and one fine day it neatly kicks the well-worn chair out from under you. A layoff. And there you are, dramatically carrying your favorite cactus out of the office. Lost money. A failed project. A breakup. A dream that never became reality.
In moments like that, we ask the eternal question: “Lord, why?” But maybe the better question is: “Lord, what do I do next?”
Every loss looks like a disaster. Like the end of the world. We love stability. So when something collapses, everything feels terrible. We cling to the old because the new scares us. But life loves paradoxes. It pulls the chair away — and places a trampoline under you instead. You fall… and then suddenly bounce higher than you ever expected. And one day you realize: God removes the chair only to teach you how to fly.
Of course, in the middle of a crisis no one shouts, “Hooray! Perfect time to leave my comfort zone! Thank You, Lord, for this valuable lesson!” No. Usually we shout something very different — and it’s not a quote from a motivational book.
But later we notice something strange. If that loss had never happened, we would still be sitting on that same chair, convincing ourselves it wasn’t time to change. Losses are investments. We just collect the dividends later.
One day a young and wealthy man ran up to Jesus. Successful. Polished. Confident. He had a strong reputation, a thriving business, and a healthy bank account. Yet something was missing. Remember the story in Mark 10:17–24?
— Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? – he asked.
— You know the commandments — Jesus said. — Honor your parents. Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not murder.
— I’ve kept all of these since I was young. — The young man nodded. So far, so good. Then Jesus said something unexpected:
— One thing you lack. Sell everything you have. Give it to the poor. Not ten percent. Not half. All of it. Then come and follow Me.
Not murdering? Manageable. Letting go of everything you’ve built, invested in, and called your “stable life” and “success”? That’s different. The young man didn’t argue. He didn’t negotiate. He simply grew sad and walked away. He owned many possessions — too many to release easily. Sometimes we own things. Sometimes things own us.
Jesus watched him go and said words that would echo for centuries: “It is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” Why? Not because money is evil. But because money money can quietly begin to rule our lives.
Let’s imagine what might have happened next if that young man hadn’t walked away but had stayed with Christ. Jesus said something that still sounds like a challenge today and completely reshapes our understanding of what true wealth really is. Do you remember Mark 10:29–30?
“I am your Lord. So put Me at the center of your life. You cannot follow Me alone. Live in such a way that others can come to know Me and turn to Me. Whoever leaves his home, family, or business for My sake and for the Gospel will not end up at a loss. On the contrary, he will receive a hundred times as much as he had before. Yes, you will face hardships, trials, and persecution. But along with that, you will receive eternal life — a life that can never be taken away.”
Christ does not offer maximum loss. He offers the best investment you will ever make — one with eternal returns. But you have to risk letting go of your well-worn chair and everything familiar you have been holding on to for so long. How important it is to be patient and wait for the moment when God reveals His plan for your life. Because what looks like a great loss today may turn out to be a far greater gain.
#FromHeartToHeart Stan & Lana
Jesus Unltd #EverythingIsPossible
