THE DIFFERENCE OF ONE LETTER

A MESSAGE FROM A BITTER WOMAN

The Story taken from the book of Ruth reveals the fascinating story of Naomi. 

 Her name means, "My Joy", "My Bliss", or "Pleasantness of Jehovah," and is a name suggestive of all that is charming, agreeable and attractive. (Meaning taken from Bible gateway resource) 

But when she met with some life changing circumstances, she was overshadowed and overwhelmed with deep sorrow and sadness that did not correspond with the meaning of her name.   

Naomi, the joyful, charming, agreeable and attractive woman experienced several life changing circumstances which brought desolation and grief. The change in location and the loss of her connections and those that were dear to her caused her to even lose her will to live. 

LIKE  ELIMELECH YOU CAN DIE IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY!

Although the land produced plenty she was still empty after she lost the things that were precious to her.  She decided to go back and started the journey back.  Halfway one of the daughter in law decides to go back, but one refused to go back.  Perhaps she recognized her worth even through her barrenness.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  RETRIEVE THE PAST

Naomi heard the news that the famine was lifted and her land brought forth plenty again. Her circumstances caused her to retract her steps, and go back to where she knew was safe, secure and familiar.  She had a need to return to the "favor of God."

The smell of poverty and loss were all over her and it probably showed so that She had her name change to Mara which means "Bitter" because she felt that the Lord had dealt very bitterly with her.   She claimed that she went out full and came back empty.  

• Like Naomi are you qualified to be called, bitter, weary, broken, poverty stricken, empty etc...?  Suffering a loss, brokenness, a mistake.... Is it showing on you?

• Are you in a place where there are opportunities but God's favor is not?        That out of wedlock relationship, that job that compromises your faith etc...

• Are you connected to things or people that estranged you from your God?

• Is your journey a direct act of disobedience? (share your story)

Remember subdue your bitterness and get better.  Retract your step and return to the place of restoration and plenty.  Get back to the favor of God.   Glean with the reapers until you are noticed enough to be favored.  Your pleasant, agreeable, charming and attractive disposition will be restored and with one letter change from bitter to better!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel