When Others Fail You, God Will Step In
I was conversing with a widow
recently who told me that after her husband died she looked to her family to
help her through those initial rough weeks following his death and funeral. As
a new widow with a teenage son, she also looked to male relatives to assist her
by providing some male role models who would help fill the large gap left by
the death of her son’s father. But that didn’t occur and she was upset and
disappointed. However, other men, godly professional men stepped up and, not only took her son to sports events and
the like, but directed him on a career path, guiding her son into manhood. In
looking back on this she saw that while she looked to family – in vain – God
knew what she and her son needed. He sent into their lives just the individuals
who would help ease her burden of grief and frustration, as well as step in and
assist her in a parenting role for which she wasn’t totally prepared. She kept
saying over and over to me that while she was initially upset at her family,
she now realizes that God knew and
sent just the individuals she needed. Perhaps you have experienced a similar
situation or are in the throes of the disappointment of having those in whom
you trusted fail you.
Let me ask you to consider
the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. We all know of Mary, having first read
about her when the angel Gabriel appeared to tell her that she would bear the
Messiah. Scripture doesn’t give us many details about Mary, her thoughts, her
emotions, or any of her reactions to all that was happening in her life other
than to tell us that she contemplated or pondered it all in silence and quiet
devotion to God.
Many authorities believe that
Mary was widowed when Jesus was a teenager, leaving him, as the oldest son, in
charge of Joseph’s carpenter shop. We
have scant knowledge of Jesus’ family life. Most authorities believe that they
met his divinity with skepticism, perhaps even derision. There’s no mention in
Scripture of their presence with Mary during Jesus’ mock trial and cruel
treatment prior to his crucifixion.
In fact, one of the most
poignant moments recorded in Scripture occurs when Jesus is hanging on the
cross in agony of spirit and body. As Mary stood in the terrible heat,
listening to the shrieks of the two thieves on either side of Jesus, he looked
at her and slowly, painfully managed to utter the words, “Woman, here is your
son.” He then summoned the energy to
bend his head toward John and said, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27 MEV)
Why John and not a family member? One can just imagine what would have awaited
Mary were she to lean on her family for comfort and protection. They would most
likely have scoffed and said, “Well, we told you he was a fraud. What did you
expect?” But God knew exactly whom she needed to provide her with just
what she needed in that stage of her life.
Many church historians agree
that John resided in Jerusalem and lovingly cared for Mary until she died. Let
Mary’s story be a beautiful lesson to you of God’s unfailing love for you. When
those on whom you look to for comfort and support fail you, remember that God
knows what’s best for you and will lead into your life the individuals who will
succor you and bring you just what you need as you go through the thorny times
of life. Our loving heavenly Father is
always with you, and He will not fail to provide your every need. There are so many verses in
God’s Word that tell of His love for the widow, as well as strong censures to
those who would ill-treat them. Even though you have lost your earthly
husband, you have a loving heavenly father who is watching out for you.
God’s promises to the widow.
In closing, let me remind you
that Jesus didn’t stay in that grave, but three days after that most horrible
of deaths, he arose triumphantly over sin and death. And because he did and now
sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us, we can boldly come to him
about any of our concerns. I encourage you to make him Lord of your life and
entrust all of your life into his loving care.
This beautiful song "God Will Take Care of You" by David Phelps will touch your heart and remind us of God's perfect love.
In the above message by Shari Hervold, God knew exactly what the widow's son needed and supplied that need.
