Pastor Chuck Smith, who is considered the father of the Jesus Movement, said, “Everything is preparation for something else.” What if we, as widows, look at the most devastating time in our lives as preparation for what God wants us to do next? This is not cold-hearted, nor does it eliminate the time for grieving or the longing for a different outcome. This certainly does not suggest that your husband’s death was merely a stepping stone to a different life.

This thinking, however, admits that God is still concerned about every aspect of your life. and it establishes a foundation for hope for a meaningful future. This thinking may not even be possible for many months after the death of your husband. But it does establish a forward-thinking attitude, which entertains the thought that something good can follow a tragic event or a series of tragic events.

I’ve been thinking about this especially since we just passed Easter. I can understand why the disciples had difficulty believing that Jesus was alive. They were not dumb men; they were present at His arrest and saw Him beaten, bloody, and dead. Reality said that with Jesus dead, miracles could no longer happen, so how could He be raised to life. The miracles came because of Him and now He was dead. I could be wrong, but I’m rather sure they thought the time for miracles ended with His death. They forgot that in the Upper Room Jesus said they would do even greater works—see greater miracles (John 14:12-14). 

Reality said that life would never be the same. That was true! Since they could not know the future, they had no concept of how their “new and different” lives could even be remotely better than what they had been experiencing. We also do not know the future.

Right now, you may be facing hospital bills from his illness and funeral costs. You are wondering how you are going to pay the rent or mortgage and electricity. You are lonely and are dealing with sleepless nights, difficulty eating, and even physical pain. And the challenges seem to multiply daily. Life may seem especially frustrating if you were unaware of the family finances. You may have difficulty thinking about today’s problems, so you may be wondering how you could possibly think about a positive, fulfilling future.

As you face each problem, find solutions, and begin healing, allow time to pray about the future. Evaluate what each challenge has taught you. Acknowledge your strengths and ask God to use them. Ask the Lord to open doors and close the wrong ones. Face your fears for tomorrow knowing that God has not abandoned you.