“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:22–23, NRSV)
“Why?”
This past weekend was a painful one for the Hodgdon church family. The church bell, removed from the steeple last year because of a leak and lovingly displayed as a memorial in front of the church, was stolen. That bell had become part of our identity. Its sudden loss feels like something precious has been torn away. Our hearts are still aching. And naturally, we ask, “Why?”
Loss is part of life. In many ways, we experience loss continually. Over time, we lose physical strength and health. We lose independence. We lose relationships. We lose people we love. We lose something or someone dear to us.
Some losses cut even deeper. For me, losing church family members - through death, through moving away, or through broken relationships - has been especially painful. Even now, I continue to pray for comfort for grieving families, and for forgiveness and reconciliation where relationships have been broken. Each time, my heart still aches.
Why does God allow such painful loss?
The author of Ecclesiastes wrestles with this same question. At first, he sounds like a pessimist: “Everything is meaningless.” Then, he seems to turn toward pleasure: “Eat, drink, and enjoy life.” But finally, he offers another way - a path we might call "Christian realism." It honestly names how fragile and broken life is “under the sun,” while still trusting that there is more "beyond the sun." Recognising life’s brokenness is not despair. It is a doorway. It awakens a deeper thirst for God and a longing for eternity.
Still, we groan. But when we groan, God groans with us. More than that, God gives us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee, a down payment, of the promise that he will make all things right. God always gives us "just enough grace" - enough to walk through whatever hardship or loss we face.
I remember an older brother speaking at the funeral of his younger brother, who died tragically in his twenties. With quiet strength, he said, “Our loss is great, but God is greater.”
Today, we grieve. But we grieve with hope. Because we know how the story ends. In Christ, we are eternal optimists.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Victor
P.S. We continue to hold in prayer all who are sick, especially those dealing with COVID. If you were unable to join us in person, you may watch the services online:
You may also read the sermon here:
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