Last weekend, our Widow’s Ministry gathered together for their monthly brunch. We had a blessed morning as we shared a meal, fellowshipped, worshipped the Lord, and prayed together. We left encouraged after hearing about how God sees the widow in scripture and about the blessings in suffering.

In all the references in the Bible to widows, many themes are reveal about how God sees and treats the widow. God cares for widows (Acts 2:6). He defends (Psalm 68:5) and protects the widow (Proverbs 15:25). God hears the widow (Exodus 22:22) and advocates for the widow (Isaiah 1:17). He will bring justice for the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18). God restores the widow (Job 29:13) and cares for the widow (James 1:27). And in the Gospels, we see Jesus shows compassion to the widow (Luke 11:11-17).

In each of our lives, God uses suffering in many ways and for many purposes: to keep us His humble servant, to show His grace, to perfect his perfect power in our lives, and to show us that He is all we need. Keep your focus on Jesus. He is with you (Isaiah 41:10). He protects you (Psalm 91:4). Remain a humble servant of Jesus. Our suffering is not in vain, He is working out His perfect will. With suffering comes blessings, if our hope is in the Lord. “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” Psalm 39:7

— Natalie Nelissen