The LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11.

At 21 years old your life should be just beginning. But for Besiana, life seemed over.

Besiana is a vibrant mother of two young children. She’s also a widow. In many parts of the world, after losing her husband, she’d probably eventually remarry. But where Besiana lives, widows don’t usually remarry, no matter their age—they’re considered “used,” they have no power, no dignity and no hope. Even their own families won’t take them back.

Besiana will remain in the home of her husband’s family, serving her mother-in-law for the rest of her days, with time outside the home limited to when a male family member escorts her to market once a week. “The only escape, I thought, was to end my life,” she explains.[1]

But then Besiana began listening in secret to a Christian radio station. Through the words and the music, she met Jesus; “Day by day, I felt God’s love filling my emptiness.”

Then, she said, God began filling her with love for other young widows and she began a ministry to them. “I tell them that He has made them for a purpose and a hope that no one can take away. You may ask, “What good news is there for a 21-year-old widow?” but I know the answer: Jesus. He is my good news!”

Perhaps you’re facing a hopeless situation too. Wherever you are, Jesus is your good news, just as He was Besiana’s. In any circumstance, His love is capable of filling and transforming you, because His “…delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love,” says Psalm 147:11.

[1] All quotes as told to author, May 27, 2017.