[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Lessons from women in the Bible: “Naomi, the broken-hearted woman”

By Oke Chinye

Read: Ruth Chapters 1-4

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“But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty  has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20).

Naomi had suffered so much pain in the land of Moab. She had left Judah, her  home country with her husband, Elimelech and two sons Mahlon and Chilion to  the Country of Moab, due to famine that was ravaging the land. Whilst there, her journey of pain began. Her husband died. Her 2 sons married women of  Moab (Orpah and Ruth), then her two sons died. She was left with two Moab  women in a strange land. Then she decided to return to Judah and one of her  daughter in-laws, Ruth insisted on going with her. 

Life happened to Naomi without warning and life can happen to us when we  least expect. We must be prepared for change. Another lesson from this story is  that certain adversities are a set up for a greater glory in our lives. If hard times  had not befallen Naomi in Moab, she probably would not have returned to the  land of Judah, where Ruth would become a link in the messianic lineage of Jesus.  After gleaning in the fields to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law,  Ruth ended up as the wife of a wealthy field owner, Boaz and gave birth to a  son, Obed. Obed became the father of Jesse, who became the father of King  David, the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.  

Not every adversity is meant to undermine you. Your light affliction, which is but  for a moment, is working for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of  glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). James 1:2-4, says, “consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the  testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so  that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.  

There can be purpose in pain if you are willing to learn from it and grow. Pain  reveals your authentic self to you. Pain can build you up, strengthen you, give you clarity and position you for your next level. God knows what you are going  through, and He knows how to get you to the other side. Nothing takes Him by  surprise. He always has a redemption plan in place. When man fell, He already 

had a redemption plan in place which was manifested in the fulness of time in  the person of Jesus Christ. He already had a plan for Naomi and Ruth back then  and He already has a plan of restoration now for whatever life has thrown at  you. So, cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares. Keep your eyes on Him.  You are being perfected; all things are working together for your good.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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