From Mourning to Miracles

There are times in our lives when we walk along a path, and it feels like everything around us is falling apart. It seems like it is a season of bad news and reports, with no end in sight.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I often found myself wondering whether the world was headed toward ongoing challenges or if something fresh and hopeful was just around the corner. We kept hearing heartbreaking reports of loss, illness, and uncertainty. Naturally, we worried about our lives, our loved ones, and our children. For many, this season pushed them to their lowest point, and even now, nearly five years later, many are still trying to find their balance.

A lot of us remain easily triggered, expecting the worst to happen again, which can lead us right back to where we started. It's a familiar pattern when difficult times become a regular part of life, we often start to anticipate more of the same.

I believe this is how the woman felt as she walked in the funeral procession for her only son. She was already a widow, and now she had lost her son. Not only was she likely struggling with grief over losing her family, but she also mourned the loss of her provider and protector. She was left completely alone.

Jesus not only shows compassion for this widow, but He steps in and completely changes her situation.

She went from mourning her son's death to rejoicing in the restoration of his life. Jesus renewed this woman's hope and faith. I can imagine that believing in Jesus while walking in this funeral procession was extremely difficult.

Many people, I'm sure, too, had this same crisis of belief as they walked through the aftermath of the Pandemic, having to bury loved ones and help others recover from a disease that took such a massive toll on the world.

Even when Jesus approached her and told her not to weep, even with seeing Him, I'm sure it was still painfully hard for her to believe that things could change.

Reading the Bible paints us a picture of humanity that a compassionate Jesus loves. This woman, even though it does not go into detail, I'm sure needed Jesus, and when He entered this town, His heart led Him to her.

What this widow thought was the end, Jesus stepped in and turned it into a new beginning. Can you believe that even if it seems like everything is over, Jesus is headed to meet you just like He met this woman? Can you continue to believe in Him to show up, even when it's hard?