Shortly after my husband’s death, I received a message from one of my readers. Without quoting it word for word, it went something like this: “Do you realize that the whole world is watching you right now? You and your family have been through a lot in the last few years, but your faith has remained strong. Now you’re faced with another tragic situation, and, once again, the world is watching to see if your faith holds steady.”

This message was an eye-opener for me. Although, realistically, the entire world doesn’t know about my husband’s passing, or all of the other things my family has been faced with in recent years. However, the people I know personally, and those who follow me on my social media pages, or my faithful readers, are most likely aware of the events that have been challenging for me and the rest of my family. People are not just watching me, though. If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, and have put your trust in the Lord, then you can be sure that people are watching to see how you deal with life’s challenges. They want to know if your faith will hold true. They need to see the love of Jesus, shining through.

In order to remain strong in my faith, I must pray often, read my Bible, regularly, and focus on all the good things God has provided. When doubts creep in, and my faith is tested, I run to Jesus, and He ministers to me.

Has your faith been shaken recently? If so, what things are you doing to make it stronger? Does it help or hinder to know that people are watching you?

I was pleased and surprised when four of our dear Amish friends came all the way from Indiana to Washington State for my husband’s Memorial Service. One of the men, who is a bishop in their Amish community, spoke during the service, in addition to several other speakers. What a joy and a privilege it was to have these two Amish couples, who my husband and I became friends with over 20 years ago stay in my home for two full days and nights. The women were so helpful in preparing and setting things out for our meals, and then they cleaned up and put everything away after we had eaten. The men helped, too, and while the women picked blueberries from our berry patch, some weeds were pulled in the the flowerbeds by the men.

Friends from our church prepared a lovely meal, consisting of sandwiches, salads, chips, desserts and beverages, which were served to our family and those who attended the memorial service.

How thankful I am for good friends, who not only offered their help, but gave me comfort during a very difficult time.

How important has a special friendship been to you during a time of need? Is there anything specific you would like share?

The recent passing of my dear husband, Richard, has drawn me to the Scriptures to seek comfort from God’s Holy Word. Here is one such verse: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Through all the pain and suffering Richard dealt with, his faith in God never wavered, and mine didn’t either. Richard was ready to exit this earth because he knew when his soul left his earthly body, he would be taken to a new home with Jesus, where pain and suffering does not exist. His faith was strong, right up to the end. Although I, and our family members, will miss Richard very, very much, I have the faith to believe that as a born-again Christian, my dear husband is in a far better place, no longer in pain or bound by this earth. I always believe that someday we will be reunited in heaven.

What strengthens your faith and how have you dealt with the struggles you’ve faced here on earth? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, in childlike faith, read John 3:16 and insert your name in the place where it says, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”