Naomi - Grace in despair, by Aije Barnes, April 4 issue 2 Vol 5

In my last ministration, we saw how tragedy struck Naomi's household and the physical and emotional impact it had on her. As a result of this, Naomi aka pleasant, changed her name from 'pleasant' to Mara, which means 'bitter'. God didn't honour her name change. 

As mentioned in my last ministrations, it was evident that God head not done with her yet. He had greater plans for her and was with her throughout her ordeal even though she did not recognise Him. 

God was honouring His promise to her as He does for all His children. These promises are found in the following scriptures: 

'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ NIV)'

And,

'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ NIV)'

I also like the King James' Version which reads:

'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ KJV)'

I saw Jesus present, supporting Naomi through her season of despair in the following ways:

Stricken by grief, God provided her with a wonderful daughter in law called Ruth, which means 'friend'. 

Ruth was indeed a very good and faithful friend. Ruth stuck with Naomi throughout her darkest days and showed her much kindness and support. 

For me, I found Jesus in Ruth from when she was kind and supportive to Naomi after the death of her husband, Elimeleck, in a land where Naomi was a stranger. I found Jesus in Ruth remaining with Naomi when she refused to leave Naomi after the death of her sons. 

I found the presence of Jesus in Ruth that guided her (Ruth) to the right place and person at the right time (Boaz's vineyard and eventually Boaz himself). 

I found Jesus also in Boaz as both Naomi's and Ruth's kinsman redeemer - the legal term for one who has the authority to redeem a relative who is in serious difficulty. 

Naomi found Jesus in Boaz but probably did not recognise him as Him. She found him as their kinsman redeemer. That is who Jesus is!

You will later find that union of Ruth and Boaz in marriage placed Ruth in the lineage  of Jesus. 

We learn from Naomi's experience, that no matter how awful our life experiences may be, God is always there with us as He promised He would in Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ NIV. He did not say we wouldn't go through difficulties but rather, the word 'when' was used three times showing three different types of hard times of varying degrees we would go through. His first promise was His presence with us and because of His presence, we will surely survive the journey through His divine intervention. 

It so easy to lose focus during difficult times but don't be discouraged because although it may not always be evident that God is there, He surely is.  He has plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Keep trusting Him. He will bring you through and restore your soul. 

Shalom