On Faith that Keeps Clinging On!

A few weeks ago I started a study on Ruth. I was looking at the first chapter and realised that there is so much to take from such a small book. I would encourage everyone to read it.

What struck me was how everything was significant. Even down to the names of the people.

But what struck me most was where people turn to in times of need.

4 key characters present themselves in this chapter, and they have different ways of dealing with loss and uncertainty.

Elimelech, Master of the Household

Elimelech and his family lived in Bethlehem, when a famine occurred. Instead of trusting God to get them through, he decided to move into a land where there was food.

So what, you may ask.

Elimelech means “my God is King”. Effectively, by moving away from God into another country, he is forgetting his name sake and trusting in himself to get by. And what ends up happening? Not only does he die, but his two sons die as well.

When in need, Elimelech turns his back on God and looks somewhere else for survival.

Naomi, Widow

Naomi follows her husband in a time of trouble, and loses everything. A tough time, certainly. To be reduced from husband and mother to penniless widow is a devastating blow. It takes its toll on her. Naomi, meaning “pleasantness”, wants to be known as Mara (“bitterness”). She has no joy left. All she has left is her faith.

When all else is lost, Naomi returns to God for help.

Orpah, Daughter-in-law, Widow

Orpah, who married one of Naomi’s sons, decides that she will leave the uncertain future of life with Naomi and return to her homeland. She rejects God completely so she can have what she considers to be a better life.

When faced with an uncertain future, Orpah returns to what she has known all her life.

Ruth, Daughter-in-law, Widow

Ruth is a remarkable character. She could have gone home with Orpah, but instead decides to stay with Naomi, effectively turning her back on her old life and remaining true to God. On their return to Bethlehem they find hope – there is food once again, there is a man who is willing to look after her. God looks after those who keep their faith in him.

Amidst the struggles, Ruth holds firm to God.

Do you have faith that just keeps clinging on?

God doesn’t want us to be in a place where that is all our faith is for, but it has to be strong enough to weather any storm that we face. He doesn’t want us to give up either. He wants us to see that there is always hope/

There have been times when my faith is all that has got me through. There are other times when I’ve had such an easy ride my faith has not been tested at all.

Wherever you find yourself, have faith in God. If all else fails, just keep clinging on!