Do You Wish For What Could Be? Me Too
I don’t know anyone who is 100% content with the way things are in their life.
No one has ever said to me: Everything in my life is perfect. I don’t feel any stress. I love where I work and what I do. Money is not an issue. I have found my purpose. I have plenty of time for play. If nothing changes by the end of my life, I will not be one bit disappointed.
People aren’t like that. I’m not like that. And, at least two characters in the book of Ruth aren’t like that. We’re all searching and wishing for something more, something better.
The temptation is to leave the protection of a relationship with God to find it somewhere else. As evidenced by Elimelech’s story in the book of Ruth, the result is the cursedness of death.
Ruth’s example offers the opposition. Rather than move away, she moves toward the grace and goodness found in a relationship with God. The result is blessing and life.
What we find in the Old Testament narrative of Ruth is a simple truth: God is the source of help, so faith and hope in what could be is found in relationship with God.
Tough situations will happen in your life. There may not be a simple explanation why. Whatever the cause may be, the options for you remain the same. You can seek refuge outside of the provision of God, or you can find rescue and relief in a well attuned and always caring God.
The challenge is to ask yourself today, What journey am I on today? Am I moving away from God? Am I moving toward God?
The journey toward God is a series of small steps that begins with one step. Your first step may be going to church this weekend. It may be planning a coffee with a fellow follower of Jesus who you know you can trust. It may be scheduling a meeting with a counselor. It may be honoring your need for 8 hours of rest. It’s unique for everyone, and probably different from what I listed.
Here’s my prayer for you. Don’t assume the first step is too small for it to lead to something big.
FOR Lakeland
Coy