The past three weeks we have been taking a look at the life of Ruth.  As we wrap up today I am reminded how God worked in her life to bring about joy and peace after great loss and tragedy.  God was there in the sorrow and in the happiness.  When tragedy strikes our lives it can be challenging to remember that God is there.

Ruth lost her husband, moved to a foreign land, and had to work hard to provide sustenance for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi.  A relative of Naomi’s, Boaz, took mercy on Ruth after seeing her diligent work and provision for Naomi.  Boaz eventually marries Ruth and they have a son, Obed, through whom goes the lineage of King David and eventually Jesus Christ.

Ruth is a popular story for children’s Bible classes but the story of these events is much more powerful for adults who understand the pain of loss and the bitterness that can come with it.  You just have to watch the news for a few minutes to see that tragedy is a daily occurrence.  From the latest wave of storms in Oklahoma that killed 18 including a mother and her baby and a team of storm researchers, to the 2 year-old that died in a tragic house fire here in town.  Tragedies of varying types are unfortunately an everyday part of life.

The thing I appreciate about the book of Ruth and the various events recorded in the Bible is that they are not filtered or whitewashed.  Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi clearly made it known that she was bitter after losing her husband and sons in a foreign land.  In Ruth 1, Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi;call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”

Prayer is one of the places we find God’s plan and timing for our life.

These are not the words of a sugar-coated fairytale, they are the words of a real and intense relationship with God.  In my ministry I have been with enough people who have expressed similar thoughts in the face of tragedy.  Too often we cast God as a magical protector in life.  We live in an imperfect world where tragedy and loss will be a part of life and struggles with our faith and understanding of God are reality.

The hope comes on the other side when we see that He has a plan and a time for each of us.  In chapter 4 of Ruth we see that Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son.  That son brings great joy to Naomi and those who were around Naomi saw that she was blessed.  Anyone who has been through great tragedy knows that thoughts of her husband and sons stayed with Naomi, but joy and a new purpose were a part of her life.

God’s plan and His time for our lives can be challenging to accept but each one of us has a role that only we can play in life.  Part of tragedy for the seeker is recognizing that at some point God will put before us opportunities to help, love and nurture.  Throughout the lineage that leads to Christ is a series of remarkable and unexpected people.   And throughout our lives today will come remarkable and unexpected opportunities to reflect God’s glory and His plan and timing for our lives.

If you’re looking for more information about why tragic events happen, I’d like to recommend this brief writing by Bruce McLarty – “Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen To Us?”  It is the most popular piece of reading material on our church website year after year.

Also, spend some time studying the Bible with your family.  Grab this week’s Family Worship Guide for Ruth 4 >>> Week 23 – Ruth & Naomi – Part 4