The reality of this world only backs up the truth of Scripture.

Life is not always fair or just. And at times, it seems that evil downright wins. Yet, for the believer in Jesus, we know that whoever appears to be winning at the moment, Jesus wins in the end, which brings hope.

The story of a woman who lost everything, literally, is rooted in this hope. Her home was completely destroyed by her country’s enemies. All she could take were the few belongings she could fit into her car. Months later, she still didn’t know where she would set down roots.

Despite all this, however, she continued to help others work through their current and past losses to keep going forward in life. She quite literally, at times, had to drag people out of bed because of their lack of hope!

How in the world did she do it? In her own words, “I didn’t let anyone take my spirit, my values, who I am.” Her enemies could touch her physical items, but not her, her soul.

She learned this lesson from her grandfather, who also lost much due to war. In his case, it was not only physical items, but also 27 family members. He told his granddaughter that he could either focus on the past and stay stuck in anger, which would slowly eat him up from within robbing him of his soul.

Or, he could focus on his values, the man he was and wanted to be to give him hope for the future. He chose the latter option and built a great life for himself and his new family.  

Because he did, he passed on this valuable life lesson to his granddaughter – your enemy may seem to be winning in the present, but don’t let them win in the end. This is a choice. You can focus on past loss or the hope Jesus brings.

Life can indeed stink, big time. But you become what you focus on and what you focus on only gets bigger. Will you focus on your past hurts, past mistakes, past injustices, past loses, etc.?

Or, you will you focus on who the Father is creating within you – Jesus Himself, the only thing you can take with you into the next phase of life, tomorrow and heaven, which others can’t take from you?

It’s time for faith choices. Focus on your future in Christ.