01/04/2023 - WHEN THE TRIAL IS OVER

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When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.   Ruth 1.18

Naomi opened her heart and showed that she was too old to have a husband. Even if there was such a hope and she had children, the daughters-in-law would not wait until one of them grew up. The mother-in-law completed the trial, saying that it would be harder for her than for those girls (Ruth 1.12,13), declaring that God’s hand unloaded against her. The women wept, and Orpah showed what was in her heart.

Orpah and Ruth grieved, but they made different decisions. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and returned to her people, but Ruth clung to Naomi even more. The last trial made the difference. Naomi stated: Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law (verse 15). Ruth’s answer was as forceful as possible. She was determined to go with her mother-in-law to the end.

Ruth said: Entreat me not to leave you or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God (verse 16). She continued: Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me (verse 17). I would have liked to have seen Naomi’s tears!

Christians must learn to walk with God, without being guided by their hearts (Jeremiah 17.9). Now, the Lord always uses His Word to speak to us. Even without having prayed for guidance, if we have paid attention to the pastor’s message, we will see that in previous services, the Almighty answered us, giving us the solution to the problems that we would still present to Him. This happens because God loves us. He is amazing!

Many times, we don’t understand why we don’t have answers to our prayers, because we cry and feel nothing. It’s good to give attention to the preaching of the Word. Possibly, the answer will come before the prayer. So, never let your mind wander to other matters. Stay tuned to what the Lord will speak to the Church. Those who truly serve God – receive guidance from what is not yet seen!

Ruth got top marks. Jesus expects this of each of us as we are tested. For Naomi, there was no doubt what was in Ruth’s heart. The trials justified that she was ready not only to be her companion, but also to be great-grandmother to King David, who would be born to her and her kinsman redeemer (Ruth 3.13-18). We must make decisions that are pleasing to God. Certainly, He puts all those who are called to the test. 

It’s sad to see people who should be an example fall into sin and fail in trials. Why get dirty if you will live eternity in Glory? The saved person is someone special, chosen to be with the One who came and defeated Hell, in order to take us out of Satan’s hands. Honor God and you will be honored!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares