Offering Hope

Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. he was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!" This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:11-17 (NRSV)

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NRSV)

In Luke 7, Jesus saw the widow's grief as the body of her only son was being carried away. Jesus understood her deep sorrow and comforted her. But nobody was prepared for what Jesus did next. He did the impossible - he raised her son from the dead. Everyone was surprised and amazed. But Jesus did not perform this miracle just to impress the people. The mother felt hopeless, and Jesus gave her hope.

We all experience loss, be it the death of a loved one, a broken heart, or an unfilled dream. Whatever we are going through, God is aware of our situation. Do not lose heart, for God is with us. In time, God will wipe away our tears, open other doors for us, and bring new joy to our lives. Just as Jesus comforted the widow and brought her new joy and hope, he will comfort us and offer us hope too.

Written by Golda Dilema from Cavite, Philippines.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for knowing our joys and our sorrows. Comfort us and give us courage, helping us to stay strong and to have hope in you, in Jesus' name. Amen.