Scripture: Ruth 1: 1-18

Today’s devotion explains to us how a decision affects our lives. Let us see how Naomi and Ruth’s decision affected their lives.

The Beginning – Self-decision:

There was a famine in the land of Bethlehem, Judah. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Judah means “praise.” But now the problem is there is no bread and no praise. A decision has to be made. Elimelech decided to move to the land of Moab. When we face problems, we should not faint; instead, we must wait in the presence of God and make decisions. (Isaiah 37: 1-20). The ending was sad because they moved from Bethlehem, a land filled with God’s presence, to Moab, a land that was not delightful to God.

The Continuation – Wrong relationship:

Elimelech and his family stayed in a place without God’s presence – Moab. Not just that, he started having relationships with the Moabites. He chose daughters-in-law for his sons. We read in Deuteronomy 23: 1-4 that Ammonites and Moabites shall not enter the assembly of the Lord. Because of his disobedience and continuous mistakes, Elimelech and his two sons died. Naomi was left all alone. What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live no longer in it? Romans 6:1,2.

The Conclusion – Backward position:

This family thought they would be problem-free if they moved to Moab. But first, Elimelech died. And then, their two sons died, and they did not have a generation after them because of that. Now Naomi decided to move to her hometown, Bethlehem (Luke 15:14-24).

Naomi hiding her mistake, said that God made her life bitter.
Orpah was emotional; she cried, kissed her mother-in-law, and went to Moab.
Ruth – cried and kissed Naomi. She decided and was determined not to go away from Naomi’s God. This decision lifted her life!

We should seek God’s counsel while making decisions.

Dear God,
Protect me so I may not leave you when I face problems. Amen.