Ruth 1:11-14a
Some of the greatest stories of fiction have this moment when all hope is lost. There is no way out, circumstances are beyond the control of the person, and the story seems to have ended here at this tragic point. I’m thinking of a classic like “Where’s Waldo?” (well maybe not a classic? but my kids loved them). You search through those pictures desperate to find this dude with glasses and at times frustrated, hopeless, and questioning your life choices. Finding Waldo is the goal but the journey is not always easy.
In their despair, mourning, and hopelessness Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth are at a crossroad. Everything they had planned and counted on was tragically taken away from them. They lost their husbands, their providers, protectors, and companions. Dreams, hopes, and future plans are gone. Naomi, the mother-in-law, encourages them to go back to their families. To go back to some form of security and the possibility of a new beginning. Naomi is broken with grief and feels the sting of bitterness having all that she loved stripped away from her. Feeling that God has punished and is against her, Naomi’s reaction is to isolate herself and push away the two women who love her.
If we stop here in this true story and ask ourselves: how would I react to a similar situation? Many of us have lost loved ones that were precious to us. We have gone down this road of grief and mourning, looking for answers and hope. Sometimes we have blamed God and lose the confidence that we have had in God’s love and provision. The key in these times is to lean into and trust God even more. This world is full of hurt and disappointment and God is involved in helping us through these difficult times. When faced with adversity, do I react with godly character or selfish pity? In verse 13 we see Naomi’s godly character bubbles to the surface as she is basically telling her daughters-in-law, “Go, for your sake, do what’s best for you and don’t worry about me.” In Naomi’s pain she still wanted what was best for her loved ones, even if it meant hardship for herself. Humility, kindness, and love were expressed in her darkest hour. What a great example for each of us, no matter how difficult our situation is or how hopeless we may become. Our reaction shouldn’t be to wallow in self-pity but to understand the pain is for a season then there will be healing.
Finding Waldo is always a relief and once found it is easy to see him the next time we look at the picture. We must understand that God is working even when we don’t see or understand His purposes. God never promised that we would have no trouble or pain in this life, but He did promise that He would never leave or forsake us. Maybe you are going through a difficult situation, be encouraged because God is involved and working for your benefit. Just like finding Waldo, it may not be obvious at first but He’s always there for us.
In their despair, mourning, and hopelessness Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth are at a crossroad. Everything they had planned and counted on was tragically taken away from them. They lost their husbands, their providers, protectors, and companions. Dreams, hopes, and future plans are gone. Naomi, the mother-in-law, encourages them to go back to their families. To go back to some form of security and the possibility of a new beginning. Naomi is broken with grief and feels the sting of bitterness having all that she loved stripped away from her. Feeling that God has punished and is against her, Naomi’s reaction is to isolate herself and push away the two women who love her.
If we stop here in this true story and ask ourselves: how would I react to a similar situation? Many of us have lost loved ones that were precious to us. We have gone down this road of grief and mourning, looking for answers and hope. Sometimes we have blamed God and lose the confidence that we have had in God’s love and provision. The key in these times is to lean into and trust God even more. This world is full of hurt and disappointment and God is involved in helping us through these difficult times. When faced with adversity, do I react with godly character or selfish pity? In verse 13 we see Naomi’s godly character bubbles to the surface as she is basically telling her daughters-in-law, “Go, for your sake, do what’s best for you and don’t worry about me.” In Naomi’s pain she still wanted what was best for her loved ones, even if it meant hardship for herself. Humility, kindness, and love were expressed in her darkest hour. What a great example for each of us, no matter how difficult our situation is or how hopeless we may become. Our reaction shouldn’t be to wallow in self-pity but to understand the pain is for a season then there will be healing.
Finding Waldo is always a relief and once found it is easy to see him the next time we look at the picture. We must understand that God is working even when we don’t see or understand His purposes. God never promised that we would have no trouble or pain in this life, but He did promise that He would never leave or forsake us. Maybe you are going through a difficult situation, be encouraged because God is involved and working for your benefit. Just like finding Waldo, it may not be obvious at first but He’s always there for us.
Posted in Devotional