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.

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

He was her only son and life support in that culture. Yesterday was a good day for them, but now he is dead, and the only thing left for her was to witness his burial. She has cried to 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 Christians can boldly declare our confidence in the Lord, our God, as that which makes us hopeful in impossible situations. He decides the end of everything, and until He pulls the curtain over any state of affairs, 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.

 Don’t cry, He said (Lk. 7:13).

Jesus touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. He commanded the dead man to get up. The young man sat up and began talking, and Jesus gave him back to his mother (14). That, my friend, 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 eighty-nine and ninety-nine years, or so they thought. Praise God, for His word never fails; the two became parents to Isaac a year later (Gen. 21:2), for their ages could not restrain God from blessing the couple with a child.

The Egyptians trapped Israel between the Red Sea and two mountain ranges. A wounded Pharaoh with his best chariots is in passionate pursuit from behind—it is over for Israel.

But God!

Moses stretches his hand over the sea. 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 for the Lord.

So, tell me. Why are you terrified so early in 2023? What has overwhelmed you so quickly that you are losing your 31st-night joy?

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. Jesus is the Lord of surprises. Never forget that, for He can stun you out of your sorrows.