Ruth 1:11 – But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they
may be your husbands?
After Naomi’s sons and husband die, she decides to return to
Bethlehem with her two daughters-in-law. The famine in Moab is merciless to
these three widows but they anticipate a better future in Bethlehem. Shortly
into their trip, Naomi breaks down. She tells her daughters-in-law there is no
hope for them with her. They will have no one to remarry if they stay with Naomi
and because of that, no children. If they leave her and return to Moab, Naomi
says, they have hope of getting remarried and of a future. Naomi tells them to
go home. To turn back.
Grief and pain come from different places in our lives and
ministry: physical loss, financial troubles, failure, and emotional hurt. And
the sorrow and heartache that emerge from these losses can cause us to question
God’s direction for our life. They tempt us to give up and turn back on the
plans God gave us. The Hebrews longed for the comforts of Egypt after Moses led
them out of slavery (Exodus 16:3). Naomi believed the future in Moab was better
for her daughters-in-law then the one with her in Bethlehem. In the face of
despair and set-backs, the reliable past is more attractive than the uncertain
future. When dark times inevitably come, we easily run from the plans God has
for you and me. We turn away from God and return to the familiar comforts of
the past. A friend recently reminded me of this quote by Raymond Edman, “Never
doubt in the dark what God has revealed to you in the light.” When darkness,
grief and loss threaten to derail us from the plans God has for us, we must
continue to believe. We trust what He has revealed to us in the light and
remain faithful to Him as He carries us through the darkness.
While Orpah choose to return to Moab, Ruth remained unmoved
by Naomi’s version of her bleak future. Ruth
said, “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). Ruth not only
declares her loyalty to Naomi but to the one true God. She is constant,
faithful, and true even when the future is dark.
When life brings spiritual and physical losses that tempt us
to turn back from God and His plan, we must remain faithful to Him. God
sometimes leads us straight into the middle of tragedy and uncertainty to
demonstrate His complete control. When we have no idea where He leads us or
why, we have no choice but to trust Him every step of the way. Stay loyal to
God. Be constant in your devotion to Him. Don’t turn back when the future looks
bleak. Remain faithful to Him and allow Him to carry you through the darkness.
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