Returning To A Harvest Season

Text: Ruth 1:1-22

Key Verse: Then she set out with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in Moab how the Lord had taken care of His people [of Judah] in giving them food. – Ruth 1:6

Preparation, physical and spiritual, proactive planning, and counsel can significantly reduce the number of interruptions a person may encounter in life. However, after doing the needful, events still occur that throw a man out of balance.

The ability to respond in faith and bounce back to sound health spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically is the goal of our devotions together. The scriptures contain stories of people who endured trials, tribulations, and extreme hardship but found an oasis amid the desert.

Naomi and her family made some decisions that seemed good at the time, but later interruptions threw them into mourning and hopelessness. Despite these unfavourable outcomes, Naomi continued to live a life that reflected her faith in God, so much so her daughter-in-law noticed and desired to be a worshipper too.

But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you return to your mother\’s house. May the Lord show kindness to you as you have shown kindness to the dead and to me. May the Lord grant that you find rest, each one in the home of her husband.” Then she kissed them [goodbye], and they wept aloud. – Ruth 1:8-9

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. – Ruth 1:16

Our conduct and confessions after life’s interruptions can inspire, encourage and bring hope to others. We have been called to shine as light in all seasons of life.

“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14,16

Even though Naomi felt the Lord had dealt with her harshly, she did not forget Bethlehem, nor did she cut off from God’s people. She heard the good news of the turnaround for the Jews, and she returned to Bethlehem.

I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” – Ruth 1:21 NLT.

Don’t be a victim to the enemy’s schemes, and don’t pick offence against those who ought to comfort you in your pain. Unavoidable interruptions require counsel and wisdom to make the right decisions that will help you transition to recovery.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. – Proverbs 19:20

Then I will give you good judges again and wise counsellors like you used to have. Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.” – Isaiah 1:26

Jehovah is the God of restoration; He always makes provision for his people because of his great love. The recovery of certain losses may take months or years to happen, which is why we speak of transitions.

Naomi and Ruth embarked on the journey to Bethlehem, holding on to hope in a covenant-keeping God. God brought them back to a harvest season.

Prayer

Father, l thank you for your faithfulness; times and people may change, but you remain the same. Please help me not wander far from you in life’s journey. Please help me find counsel for difficult situations I am facing. May my transition lead me to a harvest season in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Susanna Marsiglia on Unsplash