THE WORST IS BEHIND YOU
RUTH 1:11-22
In our previous reading, we read about the famine and how it is a period of great suffering and deprivation for those experiencing it. Famine shall not be your portion in Jesus name. As we continue in the study, let us examine a few causes of famine. Famines are not accidental occurrences. At whatever point in history, whether witnessed individually or nationally there are always causal factors.
In psalm 105:16, we are told “moreover (God) called for a famine upon the land, he broke the whole staff of bread”. Who called for the famine here? God himself. Yes God could and had in times past been the cause of famine. And he always did it for specific purposes. When he called for a famine in Egypt, it was so that Joseph and his people could shine. The famine brought Israel to Egypt and God multiplied them there. God can also call for a famine to correct an error or punish the people for their sins. In Haggai 1:9-10, God caused the famine because the people neglected his house. Several occasions in the bible, the people went into sin and God let famine be their portion until they repented.
Famine can also be caused by human error or inaction. If you fail to sow when you should, you will witness famine while others are harvesting their fields. If you cannot put something by in the season of plenty, you will lack when that season is over. Remember, there is time for everything under the sun. You must learn to manage your seasons in a way that you will shine at all times. Finally famine can be caused by enemy action. They may lay siege on the land and devastate it. Crops can be destroyed and carried away leading to hunger and deprivation.
We may not know the cause of the famine in our text today. But one thing we know is that it came to an end. God visited his people and gave them bread. And the famine departed with all its attendant sufferings and losses. Take a look at Naomi. She lost much: husband, two sons and a daughter in law. What great losses! One would have concluded that that was the end of her story. What else can she become? Is there any hope for her? Even she herself wrote herself off!” “Call me no more Naomi, (pleasantness) but call me Mara (bitterness)”, She announced to those who came to welcome her.
Relax beloved, don’t judge your future by your past. The past may be bitter, but it is still the past and the beautiful thing is that it is behind you. Look ahead, God has better things in stock for you. Wait for it. Your story is about to change. And it is for the better.
PRAYER: My staff of bread shall stand: it shall not be broken in Jesus name (Psalm 105:16)
