As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

Luke 7:12-13

For meditation

Did this poor widow expect ever to see her son again? Do you have any hope for that dead situation that confronts you now?

He was her only son, her life support. Yesterday was a good day for them. But now he is dead. The only thing left for her was to witness his burial. She cried on God for mercy. Unfortunately, reality has set in; for God did not show up on time.

But, wait! The clock says three minutes of injury time.

Remember Manchester United in that two quick goals in the three-minute injury time that gave them victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Championship in Barcelona? What gave them that confidence that stunned the entire world?

The jury is still out on that point, but we Christians can boldly declare that it is our confidence in the Lord, our God, that makes us hopeful in impossible situations. He decides the end of everything. Until He pulls the curtain over any situation, it is never over for us.

The widow of Nain did not expect Jesus at the town gate. Her only consolation was the enormous crowd of mourners. But what could they do for her?

“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her, and he said, ‘Don’t cry’” (Lk. 7:13). Jesus touched the bier. The bearers stood still. He commanded the dead man to get up. “The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother” (14). That is the unfailing power and authority of our Lord over every situation when He shows up.

The game was over for Sarah and Abraham at ages eighty-nine and a ninety-nine respectively, or so they thought. But praise God, His word never fails. The two became parents to Isaac a year later (Gen. 21:2). Old age could not restrain God from blessing the couple with a child.

They trap Israel at the Red Sea. Two mountain ranges flank them on both sides. A wounded Pharaoh with his best chariots is on a passionate pursuit from behind—it is over for Israel. But God! Moses stretches out his hand over the sea and it stands like brick walls on both sides. Israel walks through to safety, but Pharaoh and his elite forces drown (Ex. 14:10-31). Nothing is impossible to the Lord.

So tell me. Why are you terrified today? What has overwhelmed you? What is intimidating you?

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psa. 37:7). Tell King Saul that Samuel will come. He is not late. (1 Samuel 13:10-11) and advise yourself. For, “those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength” (Isa. 40:31).

And so will you, my friend. Only trust the Lord and may His peace rest on you.