The Undistracted Widow: Living for God After Losing Your Husband - Chapter 7

Introduction

This is short chapter, but I believe an important one. In this chapter, we go to examples of widows in the Bible and consider their story. She starts with a section titled...

Following in Faithful Footsteps

One of the purposes of these stories is to give us examples of how to live or not to live our lives. These people are models of behavior from which we learn.

Keen Observations

We learn what NOT to do from bad examples.

1 Corinthians 10:6 KJV 1900

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV 1900

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

We are learn what TO DO from good examples.

John 13:15 KJV 1900

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Ephesians 5:1 KJV 1900

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

1 Thessalonians 1:6–10 KJV 1900

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Hebrews 6:10–12 KJV 1900

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 13:7 KJV 1900

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Philippians 3:17 KJV 1900

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

1 Corinthians 4:16 KJV 1900

16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV 1900

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Six Decades of Faithful Service

Anna as an exemplar of the undistracted widow.

Luke 2:36–38 KJV 1900

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

What is a prophetess?

This does not mean that she foretold the future or that she necessarily received direct revelation from God. A prophet can simply be a person who tells the truth to others.

Here are some things to imitate from her example:

Devotion to God in public and private worship.

Service to God and others.

Fervent prayer.

Fasting.

A heart full of gratitude to God.

Faithful witness for God to all who will listen.

A Mother-in-law Story

The story of three widows - Naomi and her daughter in laws, Orpah and Ruth.

Ruth 1:8 KJV 1900

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Ruth 1:16–17 KJV 1900

16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

What a wonderful influence the widowed Naomi had on her widowed daughter-in-law!

We need to be aware of the trials of others and to comfort and help where we can, even if we are grieving. Loss is not an occasion for expecting or demanding exclusive attention from the people around us.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 KJV 1900

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

The Widow of Nain

Luke 7:11–17 KJV 1900

11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. 17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

We are told Jesus had compassion on this widow…What does this mean? It means he was sympathetic to her suffering and wanted to help her…We learn that Jesus has a special heart of compassion for widows.

Discussion Questions

Outside of the examples given, what other widows or women in the Bible have encourage you in your relationship with the Lord?

Share with the rest of the group your thoughts about Anna, the prophetess.

Did seeing the Naomi and her daughter-in-laws as widows change the way you see that story?

What are some positives that came out of the tragedy of losing their husbands?

Is influence important and to what extent can you as a widow influence others in your life?

What encouragement did you receive from the story about the widow of Nain?