Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of hard circumstances that are the result of our own decisions. When we are suffering through those challenging times, we may question if we have the right to even ask God to deliver us. We may feel like the obstacles that we are facing are our punishment for making a wrong decision. I imagine that Naomi may have felt that same way.

 

We read about the story of Naomi in the book of Ruth.  Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons left their homeland in Judah during the famine and moved to Moab. They were looking forward to a better life in this new country. However, as the years went by, Naomi’s husband dies, and so do her two married sons. She found herself alone, grieving, and in a foreign land.

 

I wonder if Naomi thought that her bad luck was the result of their decision to leave Judah and go to Moab. They left the country that God had promised His people and went to live in an ungodly nation where the people worshiped idols and practiced human sacrifice. I wonder if those who knew Naomi thought that she was getting what she deserved for going to that God-forsaken land.

 

Can you relate? Have you ever been in the midst of a crisis and instead of receiving comfort and condolences from family and friends, you received condemnation and criticism?

 

Whether the decision was right or wrong, God can still redeem a situation if we are willing to surrender to Him.

 

 In the midst of her mourning, Naomi decides to return to her homeland. She’s going back a widow, alone, depressed, and seemingly, rejected. She says in Ruth 1:13 “The hand of The Lord has gone forth against me.“

 

 Despite the fact that it appeared that God had forsaken her, He was not only with her but He was threading together a BIGGER PICTURE  & PURPOSE.

 

 As Naomi prepares to return home as a widow, with no sons, and with no chance of grandchildren, she is surprised by her daughter-in-law, Ruth’s, insistence on going to Judah with her.

 

But Ruth says: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.” (Ruth 1: 16 NKJV)

 

 In summary, when they return to Judah, Ruth meets a relative of Naomi named Boaz. Boaz and Ruth marry and give birth to a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David and in the lineage of Jesus.  ISN’T THAT AMAZING!!??!!!

 

Here is this woman, Naomi, who has seemingly lost everything – her husband, her sons, and any promise of a heritage through her grandchildren. BUT GOD was at work all along on the BIGGER PICTURE of not only her life, but on ETERNITY. Not only was her family redeemed through Ruth and Boaz, not only did she become a grandmother, but she became the relative of King David and our King Jesus!!

 

Take heart in the midst of your crisis. Even if your bad times are a result of your own bad decision, if you are willing to surrender yourself and your situation to Christ, repent and humble yourself before Him, He WILL restore you and redeem your life!!

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; (Psalm 34:17-19 NIV) 

 

What situation are you now facing that is a result of a decision that you regret? How can you use the story of Naomi to bring comfort to your heart? What lessons can you learn from her story and your own?