I am pleased to present the insightful and inspiring text of a brochure written by a dear sister in Christ, reproduced here with her gracious permission.
The Value of Being a Widow
By Edna Walls
Married 63 years
Widowed in 2009
Member of Brookside Baptist Church
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Everyone knows how you become a widow: your husband -- your protector and companion -- has been taken. From now on your life will be forever different. Emotions of sorrow, fear, bitterness, loneliness, and self-pity come and go, but as a believer in Christ you also know that nothing happens that God does not allow.
What do you do? What you don't do is stop living. As difficult as it is, life goes on and you are still a part of it. God allowed you to become a widow and now He is giving you an opportunity to show the world that He is sufficient to fill your needs.
What an honor to be a witness of His grace and mercy. There is much comfort in His Words that say, "I will never leave nor forsake you." Being a widow can be a very rewarding journey as you take His hand and walk with Him. Remember the chorus of the beautiful old hymn "In the Garden":
"He walks with me
and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known."
Even if you don't sing, reading the hymn brings assurance and healing. It is a must-read. As your spiritual Husband, "He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. Will you step out in faith and be a witness to His love and care?
The world watches how Christians react to difficult situations and Satan likes nothing better than a defeated widow. Psalm 146:9 states, "The Lord supports the fatherless and the widow." So allow Him to do that by trusting His Word and believing His promises. In time, some widows may choose to re-marry, and that is not forbidden. If you do re-marry, be certain it is God's will.
Widowhood brings many lonely days. What better way to fill that time than to be a servant? Jesus is the greatest servant of all time and can serve through you. As Christians, we are His representatives on earth. What a worthy occupation! Your service can be great or small -- just do whatever you are able to do.
A greeting, smile, prayer, or note of encouragement can be very important to someone, especially another widow. In I Tim. 5:16 we are told widows should help other widows. This is a wonderful way to begin serving by helping our sisters-in-Christ. Comfort them in their sorrow and rejoice with them in their blessings.
As you age, if at any time you have health, financial or family problems, that's life. But don't hesitate to get counsel from pastors or elders. They are available to serve also. Prov. 15:22 says, "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counsellors they succeed."
You must not forget to be grateful and thankful to God for giving you this time to be of service. Our greatest happiness comes from aiding others. Most of all, you can be a light in this dark world by sharing Christ with someone who is lost.
Dear Widow, in Him you are of great value.
The Value of Being a Widow
By Edna Walls
Married 63 years
Widowed in 2009
Member of Brookside Baptist Church
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Everyone knows how you become a widow: your husband -- your protector and companion -- has been taken. From now on your life will be forever different. Emotions of sorrow, fear, bitterness, loneliness, and self-pity come and go, but as a believer in Christ you also know that nothing happens that God does not allow.
What do you do? What you don't do is stop living. As difficult as it is, life goes on and you are still a part of it. God allowed you to become a widow and now He is giving you an opportunity to show the world that He is sufficient to fill your needs.
What an honor to be a witness of His grace and mercy. There is much comfort in His Words that say, "I will never leave nor forsake you." Being a widow can be a very rewarding journey as you take His hand and walk with Him. Remember the chorus of the beautiful old hymn "In the Garden":
"He walks with me
and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known."
Even if you don't sing, reading the hymn brings assurance and healing. It is a must-read. As your spiritual Husband, "He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. Will you step out in faith and be a witness to His love and care?
The world watches how Christians react to difficult situations and Satan likes nothing better than a defeated widow. Psalm 146:9 states, "The Lord supports the fatherless and the widow." So allow Him to do that by trusting His Word and believing His promises. In time, some widows may choose to re-marry, and that is not forbidden. If you do re-marry, be certain it is God's will.
Widowhood brings many lonely days. What better way to fill that time than to be a servant? Jesus is the greatest servant of all time and can serve through you. As Christians, we are His representatives on earth. What a worthy occupation! Your service can be great or small -- just do whatever you are able to do.
A greeting, smile, prayer, or note of encouragement can be very important to someone, especially another widow. In I Tim. 5:16 we are told widows should help other widows. This is a wonderful way to begin serving by helping our sisters-in-Christ. Comfort them in their sorrow and rejoice with them in their blessings.
As you age, if at any time you have health, financial or family problems, that's life. But don't hesitate to get counsel from pastors or elders. They are available to serve also. Prov. 15:22 says, "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counsellors they succeed."
You must not forget to be grateful and thankful to God for giving you this time to be of service. Our greatest happiness comes from aiding others. Most of all, you can be a light in this dark world by sharing Christ with someone who is lost.
Dear Widow, in Him you are of great value.
RSS Feed