LESSONS FROM WOMEN IN THE BIBLE: “Naomi: the broken-hearted woman”
LESSONS FROM WOMEN IN THE BIBLE: “Naomi: the broken-hearted woman”
The Rock Teaching Ministry Meditation verse:
“But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20)
Life happened to Naomi without warning and life can happen to us when we least expect. We must be prepared for change. Another lesson from this story is that certain adversities are a set up for a greater glory in our lives. If hard times had not befallen Naomi in Moab, she probably would not have returned to the land of Judah, where Ruth would become a link in the messianic lineage of Jesus. After gleaning in the fields to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law, Ruth ended up as the wife of a wealthy field owner, Boaz and gave birth to a son, Obed. Obed became the father of Jesse, who became the father of King David, the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Not every adversity is meant to undermine you. Your light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). James 1:2-4, says, “consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.
There can be purpose in pain if you are willing to learn from it and grow. Pain reveals your authentic self to you. Pain can build you up, strengthen you, give you clarity and position you for your next level. God knows what you are going through, and He knows how to get you to the other side. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He always has a redemption plan in place. When man fell, He already
had a redemption plan in place which was manifested in the fulness of time in the person of Jesus Christ. He already had a plan for Naomi and Ruth back then and He already has a plan of restoration now for whatever life has thrown at you. So, cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares. Keep your eyes on Him. You are being perfected; all things are working together for your good.
IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?
He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."
Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.
If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com
I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.
