Bible Reading--Ruth 1-4
While it is usually easier to look back at our lives and see God at work, it is often difficult to understand His plan while we are going through trying circumstances. Naomi was forced to leave her homeland because of a famine and while in Moab her husband, Elimelech, and her two sons die. I can understand why she told people when she returned to Bethlehem, "Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." (Ruth 1:20-21)
But what resulted from this affliction? Ruth, one of her daughter-in-laws returned with her. Ruth married Boaz, one of the closest relatives of Elimelech, and she had a son. This son, named Obed, was cared for by Naomi as if it were her own and her joy was restored. And who was Obed? He was the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David, arguably the greatest king the Israelites ever had.
Life certainly isn't always easy or pleasant. Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will never face difficult circumstances. As my friend michaelmichael says in his journal, "Jesus did not come to end suffering; but to reveal Himself in the midst of it." Look for God's hand the next time things don't seem to be going very well. I wonder if David thought of how God had worked in the lives of his own ancestors when he wrote, The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)
But what resulted from this affliction? Ruth, one of her daughter-in-laws returned with her. Ruth married Boaz, one of the closest relatives of Elimelech, and she had a son. This son, named Obed, was cared for by Naomi as if it were her own and her joy was restored. And who was Obed? He was the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David, arguably the greatest king the Israelites ever had.
Life certainly isn't always easy or pleasant. Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will never face difficult circumstances. As my friend michaelmichael says in his journal, "Jesus did not come to end suffering; but to reveal Himself in the midst of it." Look for God's hand the next time things don't seem to be going very well. I wonder if David thought of how God had worked in the lives of his own ancestors when he wrote, The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)