In life, we often face moments of loss, whether it’s losing a job, a loved one, or an opportunity we cherish. These moments can feel like the end, but in God’s plan, they are often the beginning of something new. This powerful truth is highlighted in Pastor Jentezen Franklin’s sermon, “Finding Hope in What’s Left,” which reminds us that God is not just the Lord of what we have or what we’ve lost, but also of what we have left.
God’s Sovereignty Over Loss
One of the key points in the sermon is the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 4. Nebuchadnezzar had everything: power, wealth, and a flourishing kingdom. However, his pride led to his downfall, symbolized by the cutting down of a great tree in his vision. Yet, God commanded to leave the stump and roots intact, representing hope and the potential for new growth. This stump symbolizes that no matter what we lose, God always leaves us with something — a foundation to rebuild upon.
The Stump of Hope: God’s Promise of Renewal
The stump left in the ground is a powerful symbol of God’s grace. Even when we face devastation, God ensures that we are not left without hope. This aligns with the biblical principle that God never leaves us empty-handed. If you have lost something, it’s because God is preparing you for something greater. The tree may be cut down, but the stump remains, ready to sprout new life.
Job’s Story: Trusting God With What’s Left
Consider the story of Job, who lost everything—his wealth, his health, and his family. Despite his profound losses, Job maintained his faith, declaring, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job’s story illustrates that faith in God amidst loss can lead to restoration and blessings beyond what was originally lost. God allowed Job to lose all but his faith and, in the end, restored him with double what he had before. This is a testament to the fact that God is indeed the Lord of what’s left, using the remnants of our brokenness to rebuild and restore.
The Widow’s Oil: Miracles From the Little Left
Another biblical account that echoes this message is the story of the widow and her small jar of oil in 2 Kings 4. Faced with insurmountable debt and the threat of losing her sons, she turned to the prophet Elisha, who asked her, “What do you have in your house?” Her response was, “Nothing at all, except a small jar of olive oil.” Elisha instructed her to use what little she had, and through her obedience, God performed a miracle, multiplying her oil until all her debts were paid, and her needs were met. This narrative underscores the importance of trusting God with the little we have left, knowing that He can multiply it beyond measure.
God of What’s Left: Moving Forward With Faith
In these moments of seeming desolation, Pastor Franklin’s sermon encourages us to focus on what remains rather than what is lost. It is in the remnants, the “stump,” that God often does His greatest work. The enemy might have taken much, but he can’t take away God’s purpose and plans for our lives. We are reminded to guard our hearts and thoughts, recognizing that God’s goodness and favour are ever-present, even in loss.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Faith and Restoration
As believers, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. We are encouraged to stop lamenting over what has been lost and to instead focus on what remains, trusting that God can and will use it for His greater purpose. The sermon concludes with a powerful call to action: to trust God not only for what we have but for what we have left. In His hands, what’s left is more than enough to fulfil His divine purpose in our lives.
Let us remember that God is the Lord of what’s left. He sees our losses and still declares a future and hope for us. As Pastor Franklin says, “The loss was painful, but what is left is powerful.” Let’s embrace this truth and move forward with faith, trusting in God’s perfect plan for restoration and renewal.
