Years ago, in Washington D. C. on a choir mission trip, we were praying over supper when my mentor asked about our sons. I told him Graham’s little league baseball team was still undefeated. Bill prayed, “Lord, help Graham’s team to lose some games. We learn from our losses.” Some of us felt indigestion. What loss has shaped your life the most? God teaches us not only through our gains but through our losses.
Esau could testify about losses. Meanwhile, Jacob spent the early part of his life inflicting losses on others, taking from them. When Rachel died and Joseph was sold into slavery, Jacob (now known as Israel) experienced tremendous losses. Later, Simeon was left behind in Egypt. We must not be surprised that Israel was unwilling to risk losing Benjamin as well in order to gain food.
Judah offered to guarantee Benjamin’s safety. The brothers have learned from their losses as well. Convinced by Judah, Israel allowed his sons to go and sent gifts to Joseph. Israel hoped not to lose Benjamin and to recover his loss of Simeon. Israel has learned from his losses. Listen to the blessing he prays for the Egyptian leader: May God Almighty grant mercy before the man so that my sons are restored. God granted more mercy than Israel could have hoped. Did he have any idea that a third son, Joseph might be restored to him?
Graham learned a lot the rest of the summer as his undefeated team suddenly found itself, well, defeated. Again and again. What did he learn from those losses? God knows. God only knows what we’ve been through. Thankfully, God is not through.
