Life is often a struggle, and though there are seasons of happiness, there are also seasons of uncertainty and pain.
My husband died suddenly at age 42. I was 37 years old and had seven children to raise, ranging in age from eight months to 13 years. The pain and confusion I felt were overwhelming. It was only my faith in God and my desire to not fail my kids that kept me going.
While traveling to Argentina for the burial of my husband in his hometown, I sat beside an older woman. We struck up a conversation, and I shared my story. She told me that her son had passed away of a heart attack while celebrating with friends when Argentina won the World Cup. Then she held my hand and we both shed tears. It was a sacred moment, when two strangers were melted together by sorrow. Somehow, the tears brought comfort to our hearts.
At the Buenos Aires airport, another lady asked me what brought me to Argentina, and upon hearing my answer, she prayed for me, saying, “Don’t worry. Jesus will be by your side helping you always, and everything will work out.” (Those words stayed with me for many years.)
Eventually, my sorrow faded, but the happy memories remained. I am thankful for the years of joy that God gave me with my dear husband. I realize now that one of the things that we most need in life is peace. Peace to face each difficulty knowing that God is with us. Peace to take things to Him in prayer and trust that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
As Paul said in Philippians 4:6–7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”