July 11, 2011

A Place of Death, A Place of Life

I'm reminded today...

At the same time soil churned, seeds created a home, crops waved in the wind

Naomi lamented to her daughters-in-law.

"Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—would you wait...?" {Ruth 1}

Perceived destitution bred palpable desperation. Can you feel it in her words?

Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? {vs.1}

Her tomorrows were grim. Bleak days awaited till death reached out its welcomed hand. If only she had known: the answer to her Why? valiantly fought to walk alongside faithfully. Ready to reap a harvest of salvation. Yet Naomi kicked scorn and anger around, rejecting Ruth and redemption.

Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter],
for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. {vs. 20}

A dust cloud of pitiful and sorrowful blinded her from seeing that the very girl she pushed away was the very means God would use to rescue.

Perhaps you've given up on a hope, a dream, a love. Maybe you sit in the funnel of your fury, bitter the same trials dump heavy on you each day. Can't stand to long for change or rescue.

Don't miss this

So Naomi returned...accompanied by Ruth...her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem
as the barley harvest was beginning. {vs. 22}

The harvest Ruth arrived just in time to glean. In a field where Boaz noted her. And unceremoniously provided above and beyond for her and Naomi...for the rest of her life.

As Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to leave
He was working on Ruth's heart to stay

As her broken spirit stared at empty hands, and the end of her life
He was filling a field with rain and sun, and bringing life to a harvest

As she narrowly missed God's provision and love
He was guiding her kinsman redeemer in care and concern

When brick walls are hit, ropes frayed, moments blank, remember...though unseen, God works on our behalf always. And rescue may come in unexpected form. Embrace His plan, return to Him and take heart.

The place you fear will be the death of you, may be the place you reap new life.

Going Deeper
Would you call yourself: pleasant or bitter?

Pray for the Lord to open your eyes to see unlikely means of rescue {like Ruth or the barley harvest}. Have you rejected a means of redemption & rescue you deem as impossible, but God knows is possible?

Live out the first part of this verse; believe and ask for the second: Return to me, for I have redeemed you. {Isaiah 44:22}

You may also want to read "Sojourner," about Naomi's journey of grief and hope.



Would you care to join us in our series Jumping off the Train {of negative thoughts}? Click here to see past posts. Praying He rescues you in unexpected ways.

xoxo, Sam


11 comments:

Sharon Sloan said...

Beautiful, as always, friend. Will be looking for His provision and redemption in unexpected and serendipitous places-- like a barley field. Love you! See you soon!

Hugs,
Sharon

achildoftheking said...

That was very powerful, Sam. I needed that today, too. Happy Tuesday! You can find me at In The Master's Hands

jen tanksley said...

Thank you! I really needed this message.

lookinup2him said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Fields of gold said...

Sharon, I love the word serendipitous! And that you look for God's hand to work in such ways.

Thanks for your love. See you soon, dear friend.

Love!
Sam

Fields of gold said...

Kimberly, thanks! I'm gonna look up your blog too!! :)

Fields of gold said...

Jen, I pray the Lord leads you to your barley field, with your faithful Ruth alongside you.

xoxo, Sam

Fields of gold said...

LookinuptoHim...thank you!! :)

Eileen said...

"God works on our behalf always. And rescue may come in unexpected form." Truth. Thanks, Sam.

Melissa Taylor said...

I have both chills and tears after reading this.

Printing this, very timely. God is speaking and working through you in my life.

Love you Sambo <3

Anonymous said...

friend,

just catching up today and l.o.v.ing this post.

so, SO beautiful.

(and so are you.)

xo