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When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:3-5 (ESV)

Recently, my Pastor shared from John 2:1-11. My relationship with my Savior, Christ Jesus, was much like the relationship described in these verses.

My married life could be similar to this wedding feast – a party. We were happy; in sync with each other; he was my best friend. When he became ill, and as we searched for a diagnosis, my husband was at peace. In the end, despite the awful pain, my husband was content and happy. Until the moment that he took the Savior’s hand and walked into eternity with Him, my husband’s eyes still had sparkle and love.

But when the wine ran out at the wedding, so to speak, I went to my Savior.

“They have no wine.” Jesus responded, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

Jesus was very gentle and loving. He tried to gather me in His arms and comfort me. And, I’m ashamed to say that I did not react immediately as His mother did in these verses.

I was still at the wedding table looking at the empty wine vessels – fixated on why Jesus wasn’t providing more of the wine I had been drinking. Irritated, hurt that He had allowed the wine to go dry.

In time, I eventually responded as His mother did in these verses – I had to get through the hurt, the pain, the loneliness, the disappointment.

The wine – or life I shared with my husband – was wonderful! I didn’t want it to end.

But after my husband’s death, could the wine – or my life – become even sweeter?

How is that possible? In Matthew 19:26 scripture says,

“…with God all things are possible.”

Four years down the road, I know how to love sacrificially. I have deeper friendships. I am stronger. I am resilient. I feel more deeply.

As I look back on my journey, I see that this sweetness didn’t enter the picture until I started doing “whatever He tells me to.” I didn’t experience joy, contentment, and true laughter until I surrendered and looked to the Savior and asked, “What would You have me do.” That is when the better wine – or life – came. Not immediately, but in joy-filled sips that I can savor.

To my dear sisters at the beginning of your grief journey: I encourage you to “do whatever He tells you”. He will take your “water” – ordinary life – and turn it into the best “wine” – extraordinary. And just as in this scripture (v.11), Jesus’ disciples believed in Him from this sign, people will watch you in your journey and will believe in Jesus as they watch Him do work through you.

Dear Lord, I thank You for Your living Word. I love that even scripture that I have read numerous times can be used to mold me more into Your image. Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to laugh again and live fully in You. Amen