September 30, 2026

Just as he neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the town was also with her. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said, “Don’t weep.” Then he came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And he said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!” – Luke 7:12-14

As I write this devotion I am sitting in the hospital with my dad and we are waiting for my mom to come out of heart surgery. I know that countless people are praying for my mother and for God to bring about a great outcome to this situation. This is a wonderful thing because I know God is powerful, I know he is able, I have seen him work through doctors, and I have seen him work through miracles. There is no doubt in my mind that God has the power to save in any and every situation.

But as my thoughts turn to my mother’s health, those truths, as comforting as they are, do not bring me the most peace. The truth that brings me the most peace comes from a story in Luke chapter 7. When we read the story of Jesus raising the widow’s one an only son from the dead, we are overwhelmed with the incredible miracle and the display of power. But the phrase in that passage that brings me the most peace is this: “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her.” A powerful God who doesn’t care is terrifying! A compassionate God is beautiful. Today what brings me peace is that I have a compassionate Savior who loves me, loves my dad, and loves my mom more than I could ever imagine. I can trust that kind of Lord with any trial I may face.

Almighty God, today I praise You not only for Your incredible power, but most of all, for Your incredible compassion.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon