Pain Never Leaves You Where It Finds You

Moral decline, foreign attacks and national chaos are a few of the many issues society faces today. We often hear people say that the times have changed and that if things were the way they use to be, life would be easier. If you look at the different trends that society has had in the last century, you will see that things such as technology, fashion and even government have changed. However, one thing that has not changed is human nature. People have been rejecting God’s right way of living all the way back to biblical times by following their own desires instead. Judges 17:6 says, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” In this dark time of history, we find the beautiful story of a loyal and faithful Ruth.

In a time of famine, an Ephrathite family from Bethlehem had moved to Moab and soon after, the husband passed away. The wife, Naomi, was left with her two sons who had married Moabite women, one who was named Ruth. Ten years after moving to Moab, the sons also died making the three women destitute widows who decided return to the land of Judah. Naomi urged the two daughters-in-law to return home and while one did, Ruth remained by her side. At this point, one may think, “How is this story to be looked at as beautiful when it is introduced with a famine and three widows?” A key verse that must not be overlooked is Ruth 1:16-17, But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” From the first chapter, the reader will see that even during a time of disaster and sorrow, Ruth was faithful to God and showed integrity by remaining loyal to Naomi.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth went to the field of Boaz to pick up grain that was dropped by the harvesters, something that was left for the poor. Boaz saw Ruth and learned what she had done for Naomi and showed her kindness by taking care of her. They eventually married and thru their family, Christ came into our world.

Naomi’s pain and misfortune brought bitterness upon her life but she kept her faith in God and he was able to use her for something bigger than she could imagine. God had reign over her heart and this helped direct her in her life. From Naomi’s example, we can learn to live recognizing that God has a bigger plan and that we are a part of that and the choices that we make in this life will be more pleasing in his sight.

A quote from Richard Foster says, “The discovery of God lies in the daily and the ordinary, not in the spectacular and the heroic. If we cannot find God in the routines of home and shop, then we will not find him at all.” People may say that they are closer to God when times are good, but what about when times are not good? Everyone experiences some discomfort in their life, whether it be financial problems, health issues, or even losing someone in your life to death. Whatever situation someone may be experiencing, their hope must remain in God. Through pain, he can mold us to make us a more useful vessel, and this kindness God has shown us should push us to love and glorify him in every part of our life, good or bad.

And The Blogging Starts!!

I must say, I never really thought about having a blog until last week. I knew I should be working on the million papers that I have due this week or at least studying for all of my final exams. But instead, I put it off and spent hours reading post after post on my sister's blog, and I'm glad that I did. I cried, I laughed, I was encouraged, and somehow relieved of the pressure I felt from all the work that needed to be done. Relieved just from reading? If that truly was the case, think of how I would feel if I was able to share my own thoughts and what is on my heart. I loved the idea.

Now, it did take me all weekend to finally set up my own page and until today to finally write my first blog. That being said, I might not get on here as much as I would like and what I end up writing may not always be super awesome or make much sense. Sometimes I have a hard time getting things out because I get lost in my own thoughts or I stumble on my words. But I know that my blog will serve the purpose that I intend it to, and that is simply to just let go.

I am excited that I finally have this page started but I can't procrastinate any longer. I have to study for a final that is tomorrow at 3:00 and finish the 2 papers that are due before the exam starts. But stay posted because I already can't wait to write more!!