Widowhood is not something I'd expected. I thought it would come when I was very old. But here it is. I'm alone in this house for the first time in over thirty years ?really alone" without the comfort that he will be home shortly. It is lonely and frightening.

As my husband passed away, I prayed that Jesus would hold him in His arms when I couldn't. I prayed that Jesus would hold me, too, because I couldn't see what was ahead.

I have talked about God's faithfulness. I have sung about standing on His promises. I have proclaimed that God's word is truth. I have surrendered my life to His will.

Today, I am called to live what I believe. I am asked to be certain that I will see the love of my life again. I am asked to believe that my life is not over because God does have a plan.

Fear
It can be frightening, when a woman lives alone. Stories of break-ins and violence are in the news every day. I lock my doors and pull the draperies at night to shut out all the unknown dangers that seem to be closer in the dark.

The bible says that the angels of the Lord encamp around those who love Him. (Psalm 34:7)

Jacob met a camp of angels on his dangerous journey home. (Genesis 32:1-2)
Elisha opened the eyes of his frightened servant to see that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them for their protection. (2 Kings 6:17)

Those angels encamp around me.

Sleep
The prospect of an empty bed does little to encourage sleep.

Jesus has promised that he will always be with me. I will never be alone. (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20)

Jesus calls the weary and the burdened to come to Him. He will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Perfect peace comes when I keep my eyes on Jesus. (Isaiah 26:3)

Hopelessness
My life revolved entirely around my husband in these last years of his illness.

God has said that He has a plan for my life - ?a plan to give me hope and a future." I may not see it now but I am here for His purpose. (Jeremiah 29:11)

This is not the end of my life. It is the beginning of a new life for me. Although I feel weak and weary now, He will give me new strength. (Isaiah 40:30-31)

As Christians, we are asked to know the promises of Scripture. But, more than memorization, we are called to believe and live them. There will be a time of testing in everyone's life. During this time of my grief, I have found that God's promises are true.

To my great joy, I have found that it is not my strength that enables me to stand on the promises of God; it is His.

God is faithful.