Embracing Whatever Life Brings

Scripture – Ruth 1:1-5: ¹In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. ²The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. ³Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. ⁴They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, ⁵both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is the beginning of a story. I’m going to read it like that. It’s a story set in the Old Testament time of the Judges. Israel was just a loose federation of tribes at that time. The story begins in Bethlehem. (It seems like there’s another good story that begins there.) And the story quickly takes a tragic turn. Ten years after her husband’s death, Naomi faced the death of her two sons. What will she do now?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Life takes all kinds of turns. Looking back, I see some good and some bad ones. Yet all of them are part of who I am today. I will embrace life as it come today. I will trust Christ to walk with me and carry me through whatever happens with hope and optimism.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your living presence in my life. I do trust you. In you I have the assurance all will be well. Give me what I need today. Accept my praise and thanks.