The Plight of a Family

“And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband” (Ruth 1:3-5).

 

We see in today’s verses that Moab wasn’t just a stopping point and the family moved on. They decided to settle down there. The two sons intermarried by taking Moabite women as their wives. Their names were Orpah and Ruth. Then tragedy strikes. Elimelech dies first leaving his wife Naomi with their sons. Then Naomi’s sons die leaving her with just her daughters-in-law. Women, at this time, were helpless without men to take care of them. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth are grieving and feel a sense of hopelessness. What were they going to do? What would you have done? Consider what anyone does when they feel God is far from them. How many times have you faced problems and wondered where was God? When we get to the point we feel our circumstances are bigger than God, we will make matters worse. Turn your “plight” over to the One who changes not.

 

Sue Winchester

Missouri

 

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray for missionary widows and widows of pastors or ministry leaders. Encourage one with a card or telephone call.