“Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. Therefore she went out from the place where she was….and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.” – Ruth 1:6 -7 (NKJV)
Naomi is introduced to us as a lost and broken woman. But in spite of Naomi’s pain and the abject poverty that faced her, she still clothed herself with compassion and cared for Ruth.
Naomi was returning home after years in a foreign land with nothing to show for it. Her arms were empty, or so she thought. She had left Bethlehem with a husband and two sons but was returning without them. They died. As women, we may experience loss, heartbreak, and pain and feel overwhelmed by life. We, too, can be like Naomi returning to our Father’s outstretched arms, back home to that place in Christ by faith, but bitter.
My sisters, our God is faithful. Naomi returned to Bethlehem with expectation since she heard God “had visited His people”. Despite her state, she chose to go back to what she knew, and the God that does exceedingly great things gave her in abundance; above all she could have asked or thought. Brethren, it’s according to the power that works in us. You can take that step of faith despite your situation.
The Word of God states in Hebrews 11:6, “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. God rewarded Naomi (Ruth 4:13-14 – NKJV). Regardless of how far you’ve drifted, Jesus is willing to leave the ninety-nine and come for you (Matthew 18:12). Return into our Father’s loving arms by faith today. Naomi took her faith and put it into action; she returned.
Are you ready?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Most High God. You’re willing to leave the ninety-nine and come for me. I am ready to return to Your loving arms. I’m willing to trust You with everything; in Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
Read: Ruth 4:13-14; Ephesians 3:20
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 59:9-17; John 6:60-71; John 7:1-13; Judges 12; Judges 13
