Hosea 5:15

Losses and adversities are frequently the means which the great Shepherd uses to fetch home His wandering sheep; like fierce dogs, they worry the wanderers back to the fold. There is no making lions tame if they are too well fed. They must be brought down from their great strength, their appetites curbed, and then they will submit to the tamer’s hand. And often we have seen the Christian made obedient to the Lord’s will by scarcity of food and hard labor.

When rich and increased in goods, many professing Christians carry their heads much too loftily and speak exceedingly boastfully. Like David, they flatter themselves, “My mountain stands firm; I shall never be moved.” When the Christian grows wealthy, is in good repute, has good health, and a happy family, he too often admits Mr. Carnal Security to feast at his table; and then, if he is a true child of God, a rod is preparing for him.

Wait a while, and perhaps you will see his substance melt away as a dream. There goes a portion of his estate—how soon the acres change hands! That debt, that dishonored bill—how fast his losses roll in! Where will they end? It is a blessed sign of divine life if, when these troubles occur one after another, he begins to be distressed about his backslidings and turns to his God. Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock of salvation!

Losses in business are often sanctified for the enrichment of our souls. If the chosen soul will not come to the Lord full-handed, it will come empty. If God, in His grace, finds no other means of making us honor Him among men, He will cast us into the deep; if we fail to honor Him on the pinnacle of riches, He will bring us into the valley of poverty.

Yet do not lose heart, heir of sorrow, when you are thus rebuked; rather, recognize the loving hand which chastens, and say, “I will arise and go to my Father.”