One evening in June 2021, a friend’s thought-provoking text about my Father’s Day post reduced me to tears. The post had been written just weeks after my mother passed, and my grief was tinged with disappointment about an unanswered prayer dating back many years.
In the early hours of December 8, 2009, shortly after Mummy called to tell me Papa had died, I sat alone in my bed weeping. With no one to hold me as I grieved, I hugged my pillow and prayed that I would not be alone when Mummy passed, should she die before me. But this prayer went unanswered. Not only was I still single in May 2021, but I was also alone in my apartment when I got the news.
As I tearfully reflected on my friend’s text that evening, the Holy Spirit prompted me to read John 16. I thought He would speak through Jesus’s famous promise that closes the chapter, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (v. 33 NKJV), but He surprised me by using the verse before.

The moment I read John 16:32, I knew I was not alone, for my heavenly Father was with me as He had been with Jesus! I later realized that while my prayer to not be alone when Mummy died had not been answered as I’d hoped, the Lord had something far better for me. He wanted me to know I am never alone, even though I may be single and without human company.
Over the last three years, John 16:32 has encouraged me more times than I can remember. If you’re feeling alone right now, I am confident it will do the same for you. All you need to do is to believe and hold on to the words of Jesus.
About the Author:
Sharon Arpana Edwards is an Indian-born author in Los Angeles. She has been a follower of Christ and a student of the Bible since childhood, and she enjoys sharing her faith and praying for others. Her books include The Blessing of Melchizedek Devotional, an award-winning 100-day devotional; There Once Was a Man Who Suffered: The Book of Job in Limericks; and Pioneer Boulevard, a collection of stories set in LA’s Indian community. Her first novel is slated for release in August 2024. For more information or to contact Sharon, please visit her website, sharonarpana.com.
About The Blessing of Melchizedek Devotional
This devotional invites you on a life-changing 100-day journey. As you study the significance of Melchizedek, the king-priest in Genesis 14, and how his blessing fitted Abraham for his destiny, you'll be prepared for greater fruitfulness in your own life. You will also learn more about Abraham’s rich devotional life, and the seven qualities of his faith that won God's favor.
“Having spent my entire adulthood preaching the Gospel and helping people grow in their faith, I believe this devotional is a must-read for anyone who aspires to be fruitful disciple of Christ. I recommend it highly and wholeheartedly.” —Rabi R. Maharaj, author of the best-selling spiritual autobiography Death of a Guru
BUY LINKhttps://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Melchizedek-Devotional-Reflections-Blessed/dp/0989323331/r
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