Have you ever lost someone or something so dear to you? Can you describe the emotions you felt? It is very painful to lose a loved one at the hands of death. The loss leaves a vacuum in the hearts of the family, heads bowed in sorrow and hearts in pain. Likewise, losing a job, business, or valuable possession can leave a person in a state of hopelessness, dejection, or confusion.
The widow in the Scripture above must have been in sorrow and grief; she lost not only her husband but also her only ray of hope. She must have felt hopeless and disillusioned; she wouldn't see the need to live anymore. But she met Jesus, who consoled her and wiped her tears by raising her son, giving her a reason to live again. Scripture did not tell us if the woman was an Israelite or a Gentile. Yet Jesus was moved to compassion and came to her aid.
There are times in life when we find ourselves in helpless and hopeless situations like this widow. Our last alternative or flicker of hope has gone off, just like her dead son. But there is hope; Jesus, the compassionate one, is alive. He knows what you are going through; He can feel your pain. Though He is God, He understands what it means to suffer as a human. He cares for you and can turn sorrow into joy.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful for the new mercies I receive every morning. I bless Your name for Your faithfulness towards me. I thank You for every time You showed up on my behalf to end my troubles. Lord, I ask that You turn around every hopeless situation in my life, family, career, and ministry. I pray that You heal every pain in my heart and that You fill any vacuum in my life with Your presence. Restore to me all that I have lost and cause me to experience Your joy. 
In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.