Come as You Are: A Journey With Jesus for WomenSample

In Luke 7:11-17, we find a powerful story of Jesus meeting a grieving widow in her time of deepest need. As Jesus entered the town of Nain, He encountered a funeral procession. The dead man being carried out was the only son of a widow—a woman who had already faced the devastating loss of her husband. Now, with her son gone, she was left completely alone and vulnerable.

In that time, widows depended on their children, particularly their sons, for financial and social support. Without her son, this widow faced not only emotional devastation but also severe economic hardship. Her future seemed hopeless. Yet, in the middle of her sorrow, Jesus saw her. And He didn’t just see her pain. His heart was moved with compassion.

Jesus Meets Us in Our Deepest Need

When Jesus saw the widow, His first words to her were simple but profound: “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13). These words weren’t empty comfort. They were the beginning of a miracle. Jesus approached the coffin, touched it (an act that, according to Jewish law, would make Him ceremonially unclean), and commanded, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” Instantly, the dead man sat up and began to speak. Jesus gave the widow back her son—restoring her hope, her future, and her security.

This act reveals something essential about the heart of God: He cares deeply about our needs, both physical and emotional. Psalm 68:5 describes God as “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” In the widow’s most desperate moment, when no one else could help, Jesus stepped in and provided exactly what she needed.

God Knows and Provides for Your Needs

Just as Jesus saw and responded to the widow’s need, He sees your needs today. Whatever you’re struggling with—whether it’s financial pressure, relationship challenges, emotional pain, or anxiety—God knows and cares. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

God’s promise is clear—when we bring our worries and needs to Him, He provides for us and gives us peace. This doesn’t mean all problems disappear instantly, but it does mean we can trust God to meet our needs in His perfect timing and way.

Casting Your Burdens on Jesus

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” The word “cast” here means to physically throw or place a heavy burden on someone else. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens, big or small, to Him. Just as He carried the widow’s grief and restored her son, He wants to carry your burdens and give you peace.

What does casting your burdens on Jesus look like practically?

• Pray Honestly: Tell God exactly what you’re going through—your fears, worries, and struggles.
• Trust His Provision: Believe that God knows what you need and will provide in His perfect time.
• Seek Him First: Focus on your relationship with God rather than being consumed by worry (Matthew 6:33).

Will You Trust Jesus with Your Needs?

The widow of Nain didn’t ask Jesus for help. He saw her pain and acted out of compassion. That same compassion is available to you today. No matter how hopeless your situation feels, Jesus is able and willing to step in and provide.

Take a moment to think. What burden are you carrying right now? Is there an area where you feel hopeless or overwhelmed? Jesus invites you to bring it to Him. As Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Challenge: This week, identify one area of your life where you need God’s help. Pray and give that burden to Him. Trust that He sees you, loves you, and will provide for your needs. Then, share with someone how God is working in your life.

You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. Jesus is ready to meet your needs and give you rest. Will you trust Him today?