God’s Plan for Your Future After Loss

 
Trusting God's purpose in uncertain times

Introduction

It may be some months now since you lost your spouse. The grief, loneliness, and uncertainty may have felt overwhelming. But things seem to be settling down now.

You may find yourself asking, What now? or Does God still have a plan for me? The answer is yes—God’s purpose for your life does not end with loss. He is still guiding you, still working in your life, and still leading you toward hope and renewal.
If you feel lost in this season of grief, know that God’s plan is bigger than your pain. Let’s explore how you can trust His purpose even when the future still feels uncertain. 1. Trust That God is Still in Control Grief may have shaken your faith and made you question everything. But even in the storm, God remains sovereign. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Though your world has changed, God has not. His love for you remains steady. Trusting His control doesn’t mean ignoring your grief—it means relying on Him in the middle of it.
Action Step: Take a moment to pray, surrendering your fears and uncertainties to God. Write down Jeremiah 29:11 and place it somewhere so you can see it daily as a reminder.

2. Embrace the Season of Healing

Healing is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to grieve. Healing happens when you allow yourself to process your emotions while trusting God to carry you through.
Instead of rushing into busyness or avoiding the pain of remembering your loss, let this be a time of drawing closer to God. He is the ultimate healer (Psalm 147:3).
Action Step: Start a grief journal where you can pour out your thoughts and prayers. (Here is a free grief journal template you can use). Reflect on how God is comforting you through His Word and through the people He has placed in your life.

3. Seek God’s Guidance for Your Next Steps

Many widows struggle with what to do next. Should you go back to work? Serve in ministry? Move closer to family? The uncertainty can be paralyzing.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
God may not reveal everything at once, but He will guide you step by step. Start by seeking Him daily in prayer, studying His Word, and listening for His voice.
Action Step: Ask God to reveal the next step in your journey. Whether it’s small (joining a support group) or big (pursuing a new calling), trust that He is leading you.

4. Find New Purpose in Serving Others

One of the most powerful ways to heal is to help others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Your story, pain, and experiences can be a source of hope for someone else.

Consider how you can use your gifts to bless others—whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being there for a friend in need.

Action Step: Pray about a way you can serve others. Could you reach out to another widow, share your story, or get involved in ministry? Small acts of kindness can lead to big purpose.

5. Step Forward in Faith

Fear of the unknown is natural, but faith requires action. Isaiah 43:19 says: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Your future is not defined by your past. God is still writing your story. You may not see the full picture yet, but step forward, trusting that He is leading you toward something beautiful.

Action Step: Take one bold step of faith this week. Whether it’s signing up for a grief recovery course, starting a new hobby, or setting new goals, trust that God is leading you.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

God has a plan for your future, even after loss. Though the path may be unclear, His love remains constant. Trust Him, seek His guidance, and embrace the new purpose He is revealing in your life.

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re looking for support and encouragement, I invite you to join my Advance Life Transformation community. Together, we’ll walk this road of healing and renewal, trusting in God’s plan every step of the way. Just click on the button below, and leave your name and the word GROUP on the subject line.

This community is offered to you free right now, but we will start charging a nominal monthly fee for new subscribers in the near future. 

I look forward to seeing you on the inside!

Sincerely,

Gerry van der Wende
www.advancelifetransformation.com

P.S. Are you ready to take the next step in your grief recovery journey? Join my ALT Christian Grief Recovery Community on Facebook for support, encouragement, and practical guidance. Let’s walk this journey together!

Just click on the email button below, giving your name and the word GROUP on the subject line.

                                           Contact us here!

Healing After Loss - Where Do I Begin?

A step-by-step guide to navigating early grief

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences we face in life. If you are grieving the loss of your spouse, you may feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. While grief is a deeply personal journey, you don’t have to walk through it alone. With faith, community, and practical steps, healing is possible. This guide will help you navigate the early stages of grief with God’s comfort and wisdom.

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Pain

Grief is real, and ignoring it won’t make it go away. Suppressing emotions can lead to deeper struggles later on. Instead, allow yourself to feel the sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness. Cry if you need to. Talk to God honestly about your pain. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God sees your sorrow and walks with you through it.

Practical Tip: Keep a grief journal. Write down your thoughts and prayers to express your emotions in a safe space. (Click here for a free PDF download, "Daily Grief Journal Prompts", which may be helpful.)

Step 2: Rely on God’s Word

In times of loss, the Bible offers comfort and hope. Scripture reminds us that grief is not the end of our story. Jesus himself experienced sorrow, and He understands our pain. Meditate on verses like Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” God’s promises provide strength when everything else feels uncertain.

Practical Tip: Create a list of Bible verses that bring you comfort. Place them where you can see them daily—on your mirror, refrigerator, or phone wallpaper.

Step 3: Seek Support

You don’t have to grieve alone. Surround yourself with a support system of family, friends, or a faith-based grief support group. Sharing your emotions with others who understand can bring encouragement and healing. The Church is called to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), and finding a community can make a big difference.

Practical Tip: If you don’t have a local support group, consider joining an online Christian grief community for connection and encouragement.

Step 4: Take Care of Yourself

Grief affects your body as well as your heart and mind. It’s easy to neglect your physical health during this time, but taking small steps to care for yourself will help you heal. Eat nutritious meals, get enough rest, and try to engage in gentle exercise. Your body needs strength to process loss.

Practical Tip: Go outside for a short walk each day. Fresh air and movement can help clear your mind and reduce stress.

Step 5: Find Purpose in Your Pain

As painful as grief is, it can also lead to growth. Many who experience loss discover new callings, ministries, or ways to help others. Ask God to reveal how He might use your experience for good. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Your loss does not define you—God’s purpose for your life does.

Practical Tip: Start a gratitude list. Even in grief, small moments of thankfulness can shift your perspective and bring hope.

Step 6: Give Yourself Grace

Healing is not linear. Some days will feel better, while others may bring waves of sorrow. This is normal. Don’t rush yourself or feel pressured to “move on” too quickly. God is patient with you, so be patient with yourself. Psalm 30:5 reminds us that “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Your healing will come in time.

Practical Tip: Set small, manageable goals. Focus on one day at a time rather than looking too far ahead.

Conclusion

Grief is a journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. With faith, community, and self-care, healing is possible. Allow God to comfort you, lean on His Word, and take small steps toward rebuilding your life. If you need guidance, consider joining a Christian grief recovery group or seeking grief coaching. You are not alone, and hope is still ahead. If this post resonated with you, share it with someone who may need encouragement.  I have just launched a Facebook community, ALT Christian Grief Recovery Community. I encourage you to join it, for support, faith-based guidance, and encouragement in your healing journey. At this time I am offering access to this group free of charge.  Please email us using the button below, mentioning GROUP and your NAME in the subject line. I will respond within 24 hours.

Sincerely,

Gerry van der Wende
www.advancelifetransformation.com 

P.S. Don’t delay, respond today! Just click on the button below, and I will get back to you within 24 hours!

                                           Contact us here!

Introducing: Advance Life Transformation

A Christian Grief Recovery Journey

It was around 12.40 in the morning. The nurse woke me up and warned me that my wife Leni was about to pass away.

I sat next to her, held her hand, kissed her on the forehead. I told her it was okay to go, that we would see each other again. One last breath. Then she was gone.

This was the start of my grief journey.

Grief is a journey no one ever chooses, yet we all encounter it at some point. If you're here, chances are you or someone you care about is navigating the overwhelming pain of loss. I understand, because I've been there myself.

That's why I founded Advance Life Transformation - a faith-driven grief recovery coaching practice. It has been created specifically to help Christian widows heal, find hope, and embrace new purpose in life.

What Does Advance Life Transformation Stand For?

At Advance Life Transformation, we see our responsibility as being more than merely grief coaching. We introduce our clients to a faith-based journey of healing and renewal.

This journey is built on the belief that grief doesn't have to be the end of the story.

Losing your loved one is without question, a crisis point in your life. This moment offers you a choice. You can choose to allow your grief to slowly suck you into the black hole of despair. Or you can choose to let it be the catalyst for resetting the course of your future.

Through my RESET Method - Reflect, Embrace, Shape, Explore, Thrive - I help women move forward with faith, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.

If you've been feeling stuck in grief, struggling with loneliness, or wondering how to find meaning again after loss, I am here to walk with you.

Why I Started Advance Life Transformation:

After losing my first wife, Leni, to cancer in 1999, I experienced the pain of grief firsthand.

Later, as a pastor, prison chaplain, hospice bereavement chaplain, and now as grief recovery coach, I saw so many Christian widows struggling alone. They needed something more than words of comfort - they needed a structured, faith-based and practical approach to healing.

Yet there were so few resources for these women. You may have discovered this for yourself.

I created Advance Life Transformation to fill that gap, offering Christian widows a clear path to healing - one that honors their faith, acknowledges their pain, and guides them toward a life of renewed purpose.

Who Is This For?

The RESET program is specifically designed for:

• Christian widows who feel lost, stuck, or unsure of their next steps.
• Women who want biblical, faith-centered guidance on their grief journey.
• Those who are ready to heal but are struggling to move forward on their own.
• Women who desire community, support and a faith-based, structured approach to recovery.
  
  

How Advance Life Transformation Helps:

At  Advance Life Transformation we offer a variety of grief recovery solutions to meet you right where you are:

• Individual Grief Coaching - Receive personalized guidance using the RESET method, helping you reflect on your grief, embrace healing, and rediscover purpose.

• Group Coaching - Learn how to deal with your grief and emotions, following the RESET method, in an online group context.

• A Private Support Community - Share your experience with others of like minds. They too are seeking faith-based grief recovery and new purpose. There will be guided chats to help you examine and discuss some of the facets of your journey. I will be checking in and providing assistance wherever needed. We will monitor who joins the group, for your protection.

• Faith-Based Courses and Workshops - Join structured programs designed to help you process grief, reconnect with God, and step into your next season with confidence.

• Books and Resources - I have written and continue to write grief recovery books and resources to support your healing journey.

The Reset Method - Your Path to Healing:

Healing takes time, but it also takes action. That's why I developed the RESET Method, a 5-phase process designed to guide Christian widows from grief to purpose.

• Reflect - Acknowledge the reality of your loss and allow yourself to grieve fully.
• Embrace - Accept and process your emotions.
• Shape - Rebuild your identity and discover who you are now
• Explore - Discover new possibilities, passion and purpose.
• Thrive - Sustain your growth and momentum.

What Makes Advance Life Transformation Different?

• Faith-Based Healing - Everything I do is rooted in scripture and God's promises. At the same time, you will be encouraged to take active, positive steps along the way.
• A Proven Methodology - The RESET Method gives you a clear, structured path forward so you're never left wondering what's next.
• Personal Experience - I understand grief both personally and professionally. I know the pain, and I know the way forward.
• A Supportive Community - You don't have to walk this journey alone. Advance Life Transformation provides a safe, understanding space where you'll find encouragement and hope.

How to Get Started:

If you're ready to begin your healing journey, I'd love to connect with you. Email us today to schedule a free discovery call, to see if grief coaching is the right fit for you. Just click on the button below.

Final Thoughts:

Losing a spouse is one of the hardest things a person can go through, but you don't have to go through it on your own. 

Healing is possible, and so is joy after loss. God still has a plan for you, and I want to help you find your way there.

If this resonates with you, please take action now. Let's walk this journey together.

Sincerely,

Gerry van der Wende

www.advancelifetransformation.com 

P.S.  Ready to take the next step? Click on the button below, today!

                                           Contact us here!