Many times we desire our lives to be different. We so desperately want a change; in fact we so much need a change and yet if we would evaluate our lifestyles, we would see that we do the same things day after day.
We still think those negative thoughts. We still fail in our commitment to devote our time as we promised in prayer, fellowship, Bible study. We keep putting off spending more time with family and friends to maintain solid relationships and yet we desire different lives. We plan fervently to start saving money and stop using the credit cards.
In order for that difference to occur – something different must be done. It may be a difference that is not even seen on the outside – a change in your perception about God, others, yourself. It may be a decision to not let past disappointments cloud your present and future.
As we briefly consider our choices, let us remember Ruth. She was Naomi’s daughter-in-law. Naomi and her husband had travelled to Moab during a time of famine in Israel.
They had two sons who had married Moabite women – one was Ruth the other was Orpah. In time, Naomi’s husband and two sons died in Moab. Three women were now left alone in a time when they would not have much support. Naomi counselled them both to go back to their fathers’ homes and find rest there. Both young women refused to leave but Naomi insisted. Orpah decided to leave Naomi but Ruth committed herself to stay with her wherever she went; to count Naomi’s people as her own; to have Naomi’s God as her own; to die where Naomi died and be buried there too. She vowed that the only separation that would occur between them would be death. Naomi realised that Ruth was serious and they both returned to Bethlehem.
Although Ruth was a Moabite woman, from a people born of incest and ungodliness, her decision to remain committed and faithful to Naomi opened the doorway, the channel to a new beginning and a favourable life including becoming part of a community of God’s people; finding favour in her work; protection; having a husband; having a child who was David’s grandfather. (Please read full account in Ruth – only 4 chapters!)
Because of Ruth’s choice, God blessed her to the point that she was mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1.
What choice do you need to make to open up the way for God’s blessing to just pour in to you? What mindset do you have that you know is not right but you are too afraid to change it because you are afraid of what you will feel? What regret do you have about your life causing you to continually withdraw from opening up to God totally because you are afraid of exposure?
Consider: the new beginning is available to you – WHAT CHOICE WILL YOU MAKE?
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Written by Rev (Mrs) Marjorielyn R Campbell, Petra Global Ministries© 2006
Your feedback as always is welcome.
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“Reprinted/Copied/Distributed with the permission of:
Rev (Mrs) Marjorielyn R Campbell, Petra Global Ministries© 2006
Web: www.petraglobal.org.uk
E-mail: admin@petraglobal.org.uk"
