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“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)

What day is it?

I catch myself wondering this, as the days and nights roll one into another. Have you noticed this too?

Today I find myself in a county-wide decree to “SHELTER IN PLACE” due to the world-wide pandemic. Have you ever thought it seems like a movie reel? We hit PLAY, watching events around the world unfold. Then we hit PAUSE when we need to eat or take a bathroom break. Coming back, we hit RESUME, and continue watching the world, our world, in turmoil.

“It can’t be real,” I tell myself. But walking through the store, the shelves are empty. In total shock, I find no water, bread or toilet paper. And then my pity party begins, feeling sorry for myself. Do you find your mind racing at thoughts that rob you of peace? I do.

My thoughts

I miss my husband so much. My need for his calm spirit, for his presence becomes overwhelming at times.

In one breath, I’m not afraid to die. My next thought, I’m afraid to die alone and unable to breathe.

God’s Words

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.”
Psalm 56:3 (KJV)

The world asks the question…

“How can a loving God allow this virus to sweep across this world?”

Have we asked the question, “How could a loving God allow our husbands to die?”

Can ‘LOVE’ be any part of the answer to these questions?

I love the way God speaks to our hearts…answers our questions.

Have you ever taken a child by the hand, dragging him, kicking and screaming down the hall to take a nap?

Can you remember being that child?

Several truths can be found in that parental leading.

• Our overly tired, stressed selves couldn’t realize a nap was in our best interest.
• No matter how much we kicked, screamed and cried, fought the inevitable, we still ended up in that bed for a restful nap.

In our three-year-old minds, no good could ever come from that nap!

But LOVE was ultimately part of our suffering.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see how any good could come from the circumstances we find ourselves in.

There is great suffering in our world today.

Is it possible for LOVE to be found in the midst of a plague?

As widows, we found love and comfort in the midst of our grief.

LOVE CAN BE FOUND IN THE MIDST OF OUR SUFFERING!

In spite of social distancing, we are coming together to worship and pray through modern technology. May we never again take for granted the opportunity to come together and worship in our churches.

We are reading the stories of parents who are appreciating teachers as they are taking on home-schooling their children.

And with sincere appreciation, we lift up our brave medical professionals for protecting us on the frontlines.

There are days, I am like that three-year-old child overwhelmed by it all. It hasn’t taken a pandemic to disrupt my life, bringing fear, sorrow and uncertainty. Widowhood has done that.

The compassion of my Lord Jesus has never failed me. Through my sorrow and tears, when I thought I couldn’t take another breath through the pain, He has picked me up and carried me.

As my daddy did when I was a child, holding me as I cried, I have felt my Heavenly Father wrap His arms around me drawing me close and comforting my broken heart. His presence so real, His words so clear as I hear, “You will be alright. You don’t have to be afraid. I have you and I will never leave you.”

As widows, we have learned to trust Him in all things, believing always…

“From the Lord comes deliverance.
May Your blessing be on your people.”
Psalm 3:8 (NIV)

Dear Father God, we lift up our world to You today. Help us trust YOU completely. Lord, we pray for healing as we keep our eyes on You. In Your Name, Amen