This excerpt is from RUTH: Rediscovering the Kindness of God! Order your copy today!
Years ago, I had a job I enjoyed and lived in a nice neighborhood in a lovely home, which I shared with my two close friends. I can still remember many pleasant mornings sitting on my patio overlooking the pool, reading my Bible, and marveling at God’s kindness in opening my eyes to His saving love and blessing me with a wonderful job, home, and loving friends. But then, a housing crisis hit. The sudden economic downturn left thousands without jobs, unpaid mortgages, and an economy on the verge of collapse.
Seemingly overnight, I lost my job, we had to sell our home, my two friends moved to another state, and even took the dog (OK, my friend owned the dog, but still…). As for me, I found myself renting an older duplex in a less desirable neighborhood and living all alone. I spent the first week cleaning the place, and killing lots of spiders (yuck). I consoled myself, thinking, “It is only for a year, until I get another job and back on my feet. Just one year. Twelve months. I can do this.”
What Naomi’s Story Teaches Us About God’s Purpose in Suffering
Eleven years later, although I did my best to make it feel like home, I was still renting that duplex. But I can look back today and see how God used that unexpected move and extended season to accomplish things in my life I never would have dreamed. Don’t get me wrong. It was hard. It was painful. I still miss my friends (and the dog). But because of that move, God shifted my priorities and led me to apply to seminary. Because of that move, God birthed a teaching ministry. Because of that move, God presented opportunities to serve Him in ways I never imagined possible. But none of it would have happened had I not first suffered loss.
In the story of Ruth, it seems that Naomi’s husband Elimelech originally intended for their stay in Moab to be temporary. At some point in time, however, the family chose to remain in Moab–in fact they remained there 10 years. But the outcome of that decision is followed with tragedy when Naomi suffers the death of her husband and then her two grown sons. Left with her two widowed Moabite daughters-in-law, neither having birthed any children, Noami is close to despairing of life itself.
When Loss Changes the Direction of Your Life
While Naomi suffered terrible loss, God did not leave her alone. Her beloved daughter-in-law Ruth chooses to remain by her side, and God would use their love and friendship to bring about a glorious promise of redemption, not just for Naomi and Ruth, but for all who trust in Him.
Finding God’s Purpose in Difficult Seasons
In what way(s) can you relate to Naomi’s suffering?
Have you ever lost a loved one or had to leave behind your home, community, family or friends?
In what way(s) did God provide for your needs in your time of suffering?
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
For an in-depth study on Ruth, purchase your copy of my Bible study, RUTH: Rediscovering the Kindness of God, available now!
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, multi-award-winning author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is the author of several books and Bible studies, including HAGAR, TAMAR, LEGION, RAHAB, Worthy of Love and her newest study RUTH: Rediscovering the Kindness of God
I believe you can experience deep and refreshing engagement with God’s Word, even if you’ve read it many times before. 
