Losses and hardships often serve as the tools the Shepherd uses to bring back His wandering sheep, like fierce dogs driving strays back to the fold. Lions won't submit if they're too well-fed; their strength must be diminished before they yield to the trainer's hand. Similarly, we've seen Christians drawn closer to God's will through scarcity and hard work. When life is comfortable and prosperous, many believers become proud and complacent, saying with confidence, "I won't be shaken."

Too often when Christians are wealthy, enjoying good health and reputation, they invite complacency to their table. When this happens to God's true children, He prepares a wake-up call. Before long, wealth disappears. Property changes hands suddenly. Debts and losses increase rapidly, seeming endless.

However, it’s a blessed sign of divine life when, faced with these problems, a believer reflects on their distance from God and turns back to Him. Blessed are the waves that drive the sailor onto the rock of salvation. Business losses can enrich the soul. If God’s chosen won't come to Him with full hands, they shall come empty.

If we won't honor Him on the heights of wealth, He'll teach us to honor Him in the depths of poverty. Don't despair when life rebukes you. See the love in His discipline and say, "I'll arise and go to my Father."