"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28
Once, as I was driving with my family to a new state and home, we passed through the Rocky Mountains, and an overwhelming fear overcame me. I began to doubt God's plan, leaving everything I knew to move away to a foreign place. As the tears streamed down my face, I noticed a rushing white-capped river parallel to the road. I told God the river represented my heart, filled with thrashing waves of sadness and pain from losing the life I had always known.
We learn about Naomi in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. She had lost her husband and sons, yet her two daughters-in-law lovingly remained with her. After hearing that Naomi's childhood home was flourishing, the three set off for greener pastures. One of the women eventually returned home, yet the other young woman, Ruth, stayed with her mother-in-law. Together, they reached their destination, and many were excited about their arrival. Nevertheless, Naomi was one bitter lady! She was angry with God and deeply questioned His love for her amid all her loss (Ruth 1:19-21.)
Similarly, as Naomi did, we can get upset with God and wonder why something is happening to us. Why do I have to suffer and be in pain? But with God, He always has a plan and turns everything to good for those who love Him.
Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem (house of bread); a God-honoring man named Boaz owned harvest fields in this town. The Lord blessed him with good, plentiful grain. He took notice of Ruth and brought her in to eat with him. She had plenty to eat until she was full; she even had some left over. Boaz showed favor to her, and Ruth became Boaz's wife when it was time. They had a son named Obed, who became Jesse's father and King David's grandfather. Jesus, the Messiah, was born in the lineage of King David, and God had His divine plan strung throughout Naomi's story.
Naomi didn't see it at the time, but she had a special part in the story of Jesus Christ being brought to the world. What if we thought God would use our sadness for His grand plan each time? Years later, I now see in my own life how moving to a different state set the stage for my son to meet his Ruth and my daughter to meet her Boaz. Knowing that God has a purpose today for tomorrow's plan turns our sad tears into joyous tears and our bitterness into sweetness.
It says that the women surrounding Naomi during Obed's birth were praising God (Ruth 4:14-15.) God, in all His glory, redeemed Naomi through the son her daughter-in-law bore! He also restored Ruth's life with a family! If we follow Naomi and Ruth's example and obey His ways, He will reveal His master plan for us!
He has a reason for the details in our lives. It may look different than before, but take heart because participating in His way will be greater than anything else we could ever imagine!
What do you need Him to reveal to you in this season?
Your Fellow Able Mom,
Jayme Gradwell
Thank you, Father, for nothing is wasted with you, and even when we don't see it, you have a plan and a purpose for our lives and our children's lives. Thank you that our small obedience to you leads to a grander plan that you display in your perfect time. In Jesus Name Amen.
Connect with Jayme,
TICKETS FOR MOM COMM!! Check it out here!!
GET YOUR MERCH BEFORE MOM COMM!! Click here.
Don't miss our version of moms-night-out every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. CST - laugh with your AbleMoms team live on Facebook
(Not an Able Mom Member yet?) Join us! Start here AbleMoms.org
Follow AbleMoms on IG at https://www.instagram.com/able_moms/