When we watch the news or look at social media feeds, the future appears hopeless. We are facing a disease with no cure, unfamiliar challenges, the loss of loved ones, the loss of physical and social contact with others, a high probability of a great economic fall-out, and even an economic recession worldwide.
Continuing with the story of Ruth, we read in Ruth 1 that Naomi was no stranger to loss. She left Judea with her family but came back empty after losing her sons and husband. She subsequently felt bitter and negative. Her emotional state consumed her to such an extent, that her emotions defined her. She was not sweet Naomi anymore, but bitter Mara (Ruth 1:19 – 22). Do you feel down and out, lonely, sad, isolated, negative, or depressed? Does your situation feel hopeless?
I know a lot of families are currently in the same boat. You are not allowed to work, or cannot generate an income, or an employer is unable to pay your salary, due to economic restrictions. You have families to support and bills to pay, but resources are scarce. You feel worried, stressed, under pressure, and unsure about the future. I have good news for you. You do not have to succumb to your feelings. There is hope because God is in your future.
Naomi came back to Judea because she heard that God was taking care of His people. Coming from severe tragedy, Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. It was the first harvest of spring. Harvest time is a significant time. It promises the fulfillment of needs, abundance, reaping, joy, and celebration.
I believe that in our darkest hour, God can bring revival or a great harvest. Not only a spiritual harvest of souls when people repent and turn back to God, but also a physical harvest through His provision. God can turn any situation around and make a way where there seems to be no way. He promises to take care of us.
Isaiah 43:18 – 21 AMP “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. The beasts of the field will honor Me, Jackals and ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. The people whom I formed for Myself Will make known My praise.”
During the present circumstances, I am prompted to remember that God is good and promises good for His children. I am reminded that all things will work together for good for those who love Him according to His plan and purpose. God is for us and not against us. God also promises beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for a spirit of despair. God’s ways and means are higher than ours. Our provision does not come from our employer, occupation, or economy. God is our Jehovah Jireh. God is a God of divine planning, purpose, favor, and provision. Do not lose heart, because nothing is impossible for God.
When we read further in Ruth 2, we discover how God cared for Ruth and Naomi. Ruth was poor, with no husband or protection. With God’s favor she happened to stop at the plot of land belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech (late husband of Naomi). That was no coincidence, but God-ordained. She was able to follow a God-instituted system of gleaning to collect food for her and Naomi. She received protection from Boaz’s workers by gleaning close to them. She received even more favor through additional meals, water, and extra gleaning all because of the kindness she bestowed Naomi. Furthermore, Ruth was not only permitted to glean during the barley harvest but the wheat harvest as well. She eventually married the one that gave her favor.
Boaz noticed Ruth and granted her favor continually. God notices you, knows you, is mindful of you, and involved in every detail of your life. You are not forgotten during this time. Your needs are not forgotten during this time. God is able and willing to give His children supernatural favor against all worldly odds. God can do more for us than what we require or think of because that is the Father heart of God. All God asks in return, is that we surrender to Him and trust Him.
Psalms 5:12 AMP “For You, O LORD, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield.”
Psalms 84:11-12 AMP “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].”
God’s kingdom functions on different principles than that of the world. By following God’s ways, we can trust God to always be our provider and source. God wants us to come to Him, seek Him, and the precepts of His kingdom above all else. Jesus promised that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all the things we need will be given to us. We have to put our faith and trust in the One Who is able. We need to hear and know His Word, believe and proclaim His promises, and be obedient to what He requests from us.
Remember, that God is able to do exceedingly more than what we can fathom or hope for. Believe it, pray it, say it, and expect it by faith.
Lord we pray that this time, where facts point to loss and lack, will be a time of great harvest. We pray for a spiritual revival and harvest of souls. Lord we pray that people will surrender their lives to you and acknowledge You as their Lord and Saviour. Lord we trust for abundant blessing and favor regarding our health, relationships, and finances. We pray for wisdom for leaders to make wise decisions for their countries. We pray for supernatural wisdom for all involved in the research for a Covid-19 cure, and the treatment of infected people. May Your glory as The Healer shine and be known all over the world. We thank you that You are always working on our behalf and have a good future planned for us. Thank you for Your miraculous ways. We trust that many testimonies will be shared about Your faithfulness, provision, and favor. Your will be done. Amen.
Stay resolute my friend.
Talita
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