“I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:21).
When Naomi returned home, she was a different woman. I think this showed in her
countenance. I know from my experience, that during the grieving process, a person feels just about every emotion. With everything Naomi had faced in a short period of time, she felt bitter. “Mara” meant bitter, while “Naomi” meant sweet and pleasant. She felt more like “Mara.” Naomi needed to be restored, and God had a mind to help make that happen.
For those of us who have lost husbands to death, no matter how long we have been widows, we need to draw closer to the One who can give us strength and courage to work through our grief. Don’t become bitter and turn away
from Him. Yes, we will face changes and we may wonder if life will ever get better. We will
forever miss our husbands, as I’m sure Ruth and Naomi missed theirs. However, time has a way of healing that hole in our hearts. Eventually, we see that we must finish our lives on earth, then one day soon be reunited with our husbands and other loved ones.
Two widows with no visible means of support, depending on God and each other,
returning home at harvest—only God could master-mind what happens next. Tomorrow the story continues.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God would burden pastors and support families with the need to plant multicultural churches in America’s cities—home to many internationals from the world’s 6,000+ unreached people groups.
