Faith in All ThingsSample

Hope In Tragedy

The book of Ruth begins with the tragic story of Elimelech and his wife Naomi and their two sons. They were from Bethlehem in Judah and they moved to nearby Moab to avoid the famine. Their sons married Moabite women but, after only ten years, Elimelech and then his sons, Mahlon and Chilion, died. Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, were left.

Naomi had no idea why God had dealt so harshly with her, or what possible good could come as a result. It makes us look at how we face tragedy in our lives! While it’s true that God knows all our days, and we don’t, so often we find ourselves caught in tragic circumstances and feel like God has forsaken us.

It’s during times such as these that we start to understand the nature of true faith in troubling times. How does your faith stand up when trouble strikes? Our true hope is found in the Almighty and Living God. Although tragedy may come upon us, we have the blessed assurance that our God never leaves nor forsakes us. Naomi never lost sight of the fact that her God was a capable and faithful God. And, sure enough, He proved His capability to deliver her, and His faithfulness to care for her to the very end.

If there seems no way out of your despair, remember that Naomi’s God is your God. Nothing escapes His notice. No random events surprise Him. He holds you in the palm of His hand, and nothing can snatch you away. He specializes in managing our messes to good and glorious outcomes. Thankfully, He is both capable and faithful.

Written by RAMONA ISHAC