Synopsis
Even in times of trouble we can be rest assured that God is doing something unknown to us to achieve His Purposes and Glory. The story of Elimelech and Naomi is one such story of a family that had faced difficult circumstances. Due to the famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech and his family relocated from Bethlehem to Moab a pagan nation, against God's command of not associating with the wicked.
No doubt the life of Naomi, Elimelech's wife must have been devastating in Moab, she not only experienced the loss of her husband, Elimelech but also the loss of her two sons Mahlon and Chilion. She was faced with on option but to return to Bethlehem. A lesson to us from the life of Naomi is that when are facing troubled times we ought face our troubles graceful and trust in God’s word and promises – further we ought to trace our steps back to God’s people for counsel and encouragement.
God’s providence can be seen in Ruth, who had come to the saving knowledge of God – Ruth became so determined to go with Naomi her Mother in Law to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:16-17). Amongst the decisions that we should make in desperate times of trouble is that we should be in the midst of God’s people. Therefore do not stay away from means of Grace in 2021. Ruth’s commitment should be a good example for us, she was seeking to look for something that will preserve her soul.
