When Losing it All Isn't Losing at All
By: Rhonda Stoppe
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain" —1 Timothy 6:6
Picture a day when everything you and your spouse have built together is stripped away simply because you're Christians. Not only do you lose your home and possessions, but you also face deportation. This was the experience of a couple from the Bible, Priscilla and Aquila (see Acts 18:1-3).
We first encounter this remarkable couple in Corinth after they had been exiled from their home in Italy. To make ends meet, they worked as tentmakers. When the Apostle Paul came across this husband-and-wife team, it led to a lasting friendship. Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned in the New Testament as putting their lives on the line for Paul's safety, embarking on a missionary trip with Paul, teaching others that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and opening their home as a place of worship. (Romans 16:3-4, Acts 18:18-28, 1 Corinthians 16:19).
I'm fascinated by the story of Priscilla and Aquila. I can't help but think that perhaps when the Apostle Paul wrote, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6), he was inspired by how Priscilla and Aquila demonstrated contentment despite losing it all.
Individuals in the Bible encountered many of the same challenges we face today. Often, God did not provide them with special understanding regarding their unexpected hardships. Take Priscilla and Aquila, for instance. When they lost their home and faced exile, there was no account where God reassured them, saying, "I know you're losing your home and will need to flee the country, but don't worry. I'm going to connect you with a man named Paul, and together, you will embark on an incredible journey sharing the gospel."
How might you and your spouse have reacted if you lost your home and had to move away from everything familiar? What if, after losing it all, Priscilla had succumbed to fear and anxiety? Or what if she had held Aquila responsible for their losses? Consider the ministry opportunities Priscilla would have missed out on if she had dedicated her remaining years to grieving their loss in Italy. If she had allowed fear, worry, or resentment to take over, she would not have been a "vessel of honor" prepared for the Master's service (See: 1 Thessalonians 4:4).
History records that Priscilla and Aquila embraced a life free of regrets through their dedicated service to Christ. They supported the Apostle Paul, impacted their community with the gospel, and opened their home in Corinth to create a gathering space for fellow Christians. With their focus on eternity, they heeded Jesus' call in Matthew 6:20, which was to store treasures in heaven for themselves.
A Contemporary Priscilla and Aquila
Many families are losing their homes due to economic hardships. Among those affected, one couple stands out. When Dale and Amy's son, who had previously strayed from his faith, began asking questions about their faith, Dale and Amy opened their home to meet weekly with their son and his friends to address their questions with answers from the Bible. Amy prepared meals for anyone who wished to join, and people eagerly attended.
Gradually, the young adults gathered in Dale and Amy's home began committing their lives to Christ. Every week, Dale taught from the Bible. With each passing week, more students joined in until the house was filled with college-aged men and women, spilling over the stairway and occupying every corner of the floor.
As time went on and the young adults deepened their faith, many took on active roles in their church's ministries. Many of them began to marry each other, forming families grounded in their love for Christ.
As God richly blessed Dale and Amy's ministry, the deteriorating economic conditions began to take a toll on their investments. It soon became clear that they would be compelled to leave the cherished home where they had raised their children and enjoyed a blessed season of using their home to disciple young adults.
Amy felt a deep sorrow as she left her home behind, yet through her tears, she held tightly to her faith in God. Eventually, the Lord blessed Dale and Amy with a charming house in the countryside—fulfilling Amy's dream of country living.
Although Dale and Amy never anticipated such significant change during this phase of their lives, they were content in knowing that the Lord was aware of their needs even before they voiced them. God has rewarded Amy and Dale for remaining focused on Him, even when life's challenges appeared disheartening. Their children have all grown up to love and serve Jesus, and their grandchildren follow Christ, too.
If you find yourselves facing a season of loss, I hope the stories of these couples encourage you to trust God to work it together for good. Realize that your trial may not be about you. God may take you through losses to set your affections on things above and to help your children realize that your contentment is in your eternal home––rather than on the things of earth. When faced with setbacks, let it be said of you that losing it all isn't losing at all.
"Father, thank you for the blessings You've bestowed upon us. Please teach us to be content with what we have and prepare us to trust and glorify You, come what may. Amen."
Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling Christian author of seven books. With 40 years of experience in helping women build no regrets lives, Rhonda has become a highly sought after voice in the Christian living community. She has written hundreds of articles for Crosswalk.com and other popular magazines. Rhonda has appeared on The 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street, Family Life Today, Dobson’s Family Talk, and her interviews at Focus on the Family have been named in their Best Of Episodes 2021 & 2023. “I could have listened to Rhonda talk all night,” is what listeners say. Her speaking platform includes: Homeschool conferences, (MOPs) MomCo, MomCon, Legacy Grandparenting Summit and more. She is the host of the award-winning podcast, Old Ladies Know Stuff. Rhonda has over 40 years experience as a pastor’s wife, speaker, mom coach, marriage mentor, mother of four–and did we mention she’s a grandmother of 15! Find out more about Rhonda at NoRegretsWoman.com.
Related Resource: How to Make Your Prayer Habits Stick
Have you ever thought: "I wish I would have prayed first?"
Remembering to make prayer our first option over others in times of crisis, need, or our everyday lives can be challenging. We've all experienced the many distractions that circumvent our prayer intentions.
Join Rachel on Untangling Prayer as she shares James Clear's 4 laws of behavior change and how they apply to our prayer lives.
You won't want to miss the amazing answer to prayer and sweet affirmation she also shares as a beautiful example of how God works in our lives today! If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Untangling Prayer on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Rachel also has a new book called Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments.
Originally published Thursday, 19 December 2024.
SHARE
