Text: Ruth 1:19-22
Memory Verse: “But she said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?’” (Ruth 1:20&21).
Life’s events happen and easily result in identity crisis, if you allow them to. A car accident, the death of a parent or mentor may want to redefine you, but you must maintain your God given identity. You are the child of the Lord of the universe, who can turn situations around for good, no matter how bad they are.
Naomi and her family had migrated in search of greener pastures when there was a famine in Bethlehem, Judah, but life happened, and she lost her husband and two sons. Life was trying to derail her and redefine her identity. In her distress and sadness, she erroneously gave herself a new name, Mara, which she felt best described her situation. She was wrong. God was not finished with her yet and He was not against her. In fact, He caused His Son, Jesus, to be born through her lineage!
Do not succumb to the temporary problems of life. They too will come to pass, and a new and better time will come. Like Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) and Jacob, Benjamin’s father (Genesis 35:18), you must resist the temptation to call yourself by the world’s definition and forget God’s ability to turn your situation around.
In spite of your present situation, call on God, and He will grant your request as He did Naomi’s and Jabez’s. As His child, He has a stake in being glorified in your life. You are His.
Prayer Points:
1. Thank You for restoring my confidence in You, Lord.
2. Lord, give me testimonies as You prove Yourself in my life.