Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

Pastor Tommy’s message on Sunday really struck a chord, making me reflect on the power of letting go. There are moments in life when people walk away—whether through broken friendships, failed relationships, or unexpected betrayals. It’s heartbreaking, disorienting, and can leave us questioning our worth. But what if their departure isn’t a loss, but a divine redirection? What if God is clearing space for something greater, something meant for you? Sometimes, the very thing that feels like rejection is actually God’s way of making room for His best.

I’ve had my share of painful goodbyes. At times, I fought to hold on, believing that if I just tried harder, loved more, or fixed what was broken, things could go back to how they were. But in doing so, I ignored the gentle whispers of God urging me to let go. I was so busy trying to hold the door closed that I didn’t realize God was removing people who were no longer part of my destiny.

Some People Are Not Meant to Stay

Not everyone who starts with you is meant to finish with you. We see this truth throughout Scripture. One of the most vivid examples is Judas. Jesus handpicked twelve disciples, yet He knew from the beginning that Judas would betray Him. And still, Jesus didn’t beg Judas to stay. He didn’t try to prove His worth or make Judas change his mind. Instead, He let him walk away.

John 13:27 says, “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’” Jesus didn’t resist Judas’ betrayal because He understood that it was part of God’s greater plan. Had Judas not left, the crucifixion—and ultimately the resurrection—would not have happened.

Some people will walk away because they have served their purpose in your life. It’s not a reflection of your value but a sign that their role in your story has ended.

Abraham and Lot: A Necessary Separation

Another example is Abraham and his nephew Lot. They traveled together for years, but eventually, conflict arose. Their flocks and herds had grown too large to dwell together. In Genesis 13:8-9, Abraham wisely tells Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me… Let’s part company.”

Abraham loved Lot, but he understood that separation was necessary for God’s blessing to fully unfold in his life. And sure enough, after Lot left, God gave Abraham a new vision: “Look around from where you are… All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.” (Genesis 13:14-15)

Sometimes, it’s not until certain people leave that we can fully step into the promises God has for us.

Letting Go of the Wrong People Frees You for the Right Ones

When people leave, it’s tempting to chase after them, hoping to change their minds. But if God is removing someone, why try to hold on? Instead of mourning the loss, we should thank God for closing a door that could have led to unnecessary pain.

This doesn’t mean their absence won’t hurt. It will. But trusting God means believing that He is always working things out for our good (Romans 8:28). When one person walks away, God will send someone else—a friend, a mentor, or a partner who aligns with His purpose for us.

Demas had been a trusted traveling companion of the apostle Paul, sharing in some of the hardships of his journeys. But Demas left Paul sitting in his prison cell and turned his back on the work they had been doing. There will be times when friends whom we’re counting on will disappoint us and walk away. It’s easy to feel hurt and discouraged when people aren’t there for us in the way we expected. Sometimes, we exhaust ourselves trying to hold on to relationships that were never meant to last.

But notice that Paul didn’t dwell on who left—he focused on who stayed. He said, “Only Luke is with me” (2 Timothy 4:10–11, NIV). You don’t need everyone you think you need. God has already assigned the right people to walk with you in this season. When they’re the right ones, you won’t have to beg for their support or convince them to stay. They will be there through thick and thin, encouraging you when you need it most.

So don’t get stuck mourning who walked away. Trust that God is bringing divine connections—people who will uplift you, stand with you, and help you move forward into your destiny. Keep your eyes on what God is doing, and let Him surround you with the right people at the right time.

Jesus’ Example: Strength in Abandonment

Even Jesus experienced abandonment. On the night of His arrest, His closest disciples scattered. Peter, who boldly declared he would never leave Jesus, denied Him three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Yet Jesus didn’t waste time trying to win back those who left. He remained focused on His assignment.

When people walk away, it’s easy to let hurt and rejection consume us. But Jesus teaches us to keep our eyes on our purpose. He understood that the people who left weren’t in control—God was.

A New Beginning is on the Other Side

Maybe you’ve experienced a painful breakup, a friend’s betrayal, or someone who simply stopped showing up in your life. It’s okay to grieve, but don’t stay stuck there. If they walked away, they weren’t meant to stay.

Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

When we trust God with our losses, we position ourselves for His new blessings. We may not understand why someone left, but we can trust that God does. And His plan is always better than ours.

So, don’t cling to what’s walking away—release it with open hands and an open heart. But don’t stop there—keep your hands open, because God is ready to fill them with something greater. What’s ahead is not dependent on who left, but on the One who will never leave you. Your future is secure in His hands, and His plans for you are still unfolding. If your story isn’t good, then your story isn’t over! May this encourage you today, and may you walk forward with faith, peace, and expectation. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!