{{item.title | uppercase}}

{{item.authdes}}

Throughout my life, God has been faithful and watched over me.

He provided when my husband was laid off from the plant where he worked; God provided when there were salary cuts where I worked. He provided when the organization for which I worked cut “unnecessary” personnel; I fell into the “necessary” personnel group. These are just a few examples of God’s provision for me.

And then in 2014, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He went through major surgery and chemotherapy treatments only to pass away just nine months after diagnosis.

He was my life – what would I do without him? We had been together 44 years (six while dating). During the first year he was gone, I went to the cemetery almost every day when I left work. I would sit and cry until I could cry no more. I felt so alone and lost.

But I was never truly alone.

Joshua 1:5 reminds us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Even though I drove to that cemetery feeling alone, God was with me. He saw my tears; he heard my cries. He watched over me –

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
Genesis 28:15

In November, 2015 God brought another Christian man into my life even though I didn’t feel I was ready for another relationship. We dated for two years and were married in November, 2017. God blessed us with a good life. We enjoyed going to our grandchildren’s school athletic activities, overnights at a cabin on the lake, fishing several times a week, trips to the mountains, and worshipping together at the small country church we attended. Then, on June 19, Father’s Day, my heart was broken again as my husband passed away unexpectedly that night from a heart attack.

I was a widow again.

Alone again – how am I supposed to build another life again as a single? It was hard enough the first time, God – now I’m in my 70s, how can I start over again? My life as part of a couple ended that June night. There would be no more rides in that little convertible Miata that he loved; I wouldn’t be spending time with him fishing on the lake, no more shared time in the mountains, walking up trails and through woods, looking for a fishing spot, and no more sitting beside him in church. I would again be spending lonely days and nights all alone.

As time passed, I was able to focus on the happy memories we made and the happy times shared with our blended families. Finally one day, I began to pray – thanking God for both of my husbands – and slowly my heart began to heal. I began studying God’s Word and the promises that God made to us. After all, Isaiah 26:4 tell us

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

I began to cling to His promises.

• Lord – please give me strength for the days ahead.
  

  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
  Isaiah 41:10

  
  
• Lord – I don’t want to be alone again.
  

  You are not alone, daughter – remember, I am with you and I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
  Isaiah 49:16

  
  
• Lord – how can I keep going now?
  

  I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
  Isaiah 46:4

  
  

So even in our darkest hours, we can call on God and know that He is faithful and watches over us each and every day.

Heavenly Father, we know You are always with us. You are ever faithful, especially to widows. Please bless each widow who reads this and let them feel Your Presence each and every day in their lives. Comfort and supply each and every need. In Jesus name, Amen.