In this week’s story, we see Naomi repeatedly responding to unwanted transitions. First, because of a drought, the family had moved from Bethlehem to Moab. Then an unwanted death intruded. Ruth 1: 3 Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons.[1] Naomi was now a widow. In that culture, a woman needed a man to care for her. Other than prostitution, there was no way for a woman to support herself. First, it would have been her father and then her husband. At least Naomi still had her sons.
There were more changes. Ruth 1:4 The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth.[2] The wives of the sons were from a culture that worshipped idols. Scripture doesn’t tell us whether these women were willing to leave idolatry behind to worship the true God. As a result, we don’t know what their home life would have been like in these mixed marriages.
Another Calamity
Naomi’s life appears to stabilize for a time, but then she experiences another unwelcome transition. Ruth 1:4bBut about ten years later, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband. [3]
Naomi’s world had collapsed in stages; first her husband and then her sons died. This would have left her vulnerable without support in a foreign land. Scripture records these losses but does not comment on why. There is no explanation for her losses, and many times it is much the same way. We don’t understand the situation and may feel that God has abandoned us.
We often cannot control the circumstances, but we can control our response. Hard circumstances do not define our faith. But our faith determines how we respond. As we turn to God, even in silence and sorrow, God is there. It is at these times that God can shape our hearts for what is next.
Finding Strength in God
Responding to unwanted transitions and finding strength in God during difficult times can be a process. At the end of the first chapter of Ruth, Naomi names her bitterness. Even with this, Naomi perseveres. We, too, need to persevere as we trust Jesus.
Romans 5: 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.[4]
God promises His strength so that we don’t have to rely on ourselves. Isaiah 41: 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. [5] We can respond with faith even when life unravels because our God is faithful. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-transition-is-difficult
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.