RUTH 1:6

In our reflection this week, we observe a family who leaves the house of God to dwell in the land of Moab, which represents the world, because of a famine in the land. Elimelech, which means “God is King” left Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread”, along with Naomi, which means “Pleasant” to go into the land of Moab to seek sustenance. Now, can anything be better than a life in which God is King? Added to this, you have a sweet and pleasant wife, and you are dwelling in the house of Bread. Yet, when adversity came, Elimelech made a God-dishonoring choice by failing to trust the true God and going into Moab to sojourn.

They went down into the heathen land of Moab, and the Bible says “. . . and they continued there” (v.2). It appears as if they stayed there longer than they should have. It is said that sin will take you further than you want to go, it keeps you longer than you want to stay, and it costs you more than you want to pay. Sometimes the worst thing you can do when things get hard is to run away. The answer isn’t always in running away and seeking greener pastures. Sometimes God wants us to stay and fight it out. When it becomes necessary to go away, we also need to know when it is time to return home. In all our going and coming, we must so ensure that we are moving always according to His divine will and plan.

Another lesson to be learned from adversity is that it will either drive a Christian nearer to His God or nearer to the world. We must decide what we will do when adversity comes our way. I have seen Christians actually fall on their knees and get closer to God when the winds of adversity blow their way, and I have also seen some completely lose their faith and grievously turn their backs on God. The plan is never to lose faith, even when we face the most severe trials and all our supplies are depleted and dried up.

It is my firm belief, however, that a time of divine visitation is coming, changing the entire landscape of our lives and predicaments. I know it and feel it in my spirit. Now is no time to run and go crazy. May we not be unusually panicked and traumatized by all that we are now seeing and hearing. Church of God, let us know with unwavering faith and certainty that in spite of all the hardships, disappointments, afflictions, bad news, terminal illnesses, death, disease, viruses, instability, turmoil, and darkness – God will surely visit with His people again.

After experiencing some of the worst trials and experiences of her life in Moab, the very place they ran to for refuge and deliverance, the Scriptures testify that Naomi, “. . . had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited His people in giving them bread” (Ruth 1:6). It may really seem hopeless and hostile for a time and season, but please note, it is only but temporary! A glorious time of divine visitation is about to hit this house. The enemy seems to be having a grand field day. He seems to be laughing at our expense. However, like Naomi, we choose to return home, believing God for restoration, mercy, favor, abundance, and divine healing. The drought and famine must end! We believe with all our hearts that the eternal, unchanging God will visit His house and people again! Our fortunes are about to change!