Book of RuthSample

PROBLEMS AND BLESSINGS

And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.  (Ruth 1:8)

When there was a famine in the land, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons left their house in Bethlehem, Judah, to look for food and a better future. However, Naomi's husband died later on. His two sons, Mahlon and Chilion were married but they also died.

Naomi returned when the famine in Israel ended, but she told other people not to call her by the name Naomi again. She asked them to call her “Mara” which means “bitter”

However, amid her difficulties, Naomi still found the faith to struggle with the Lord and ask Him to bless her two daughters-in-law. 

Can someone with a problem still be a blessing to others? I have seen many people in times of difficulties who still have the faith to continue helping other people. I have seen how their faith is strengthened when they shift their focuses from their concerns to give themselves to other people for the sake of the Lord. 

Today we might find ourselves questioning and even struggling with the Lord. Let’s look at Naomi's trust in God when we are struggling. 

She knew that her daughters-in-law also suffered. She did not want to add to their sufferings. She prayed for them as she bid goodbye to them in tears. Naomi was on a journey of faith where tears were her accompaniment in her walk with the Lord. 

Even amid our problems, we must continue to be a blessing to others.