Loss and New Life | Lent 2026

By Nichole Dever

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬-‭22‬

For some of you, this verse may seem harder to relate to. The example Jesus gives in the pains of childbirth giving way to immense joy may not apply to you. But Jesus was giving this example to his disciples, so it might be safe to assume you aren’t alone.

So why this metaphor of all metaphors? “Her hour has come.” It has been set in motion. The same process that produces anguish also produces new life. The same process that will cause His disciples to grieve will also produce wonderful joy.

I’ve experienced two scenarios that pull differently from this passage. I am a woman who has endured the intense pains of laboring that yield to an inexplicable joy while holding our child safely in my arms. And I am also a woman who has been crushed by the weight of never getting the chance to labor for one of our children, losing our child before I got the chance to hold them in my arms.

The truth that God can transcend all of this is astounding. 

This reflection, during Lent, reminds me of this truth. The NLT translation reads, “Then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” Only Jesus can promise this joy that can never be taken away from you. Only Jesus can surpass the love and loss of loved ones we experience here on earth.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Reflect:

What is something you’re holding tightly to that you’re scared of losing or that you’ve already lost? Can you imagine God’s promise of a joy that no one can take from you?