Teaching-Relationship Two

Prayer: Father as we continue to focus on you in this workshop and the relationship that we have speak to us Lord. Speak to our hearts and minds, encourage us and inspire us to show brotherly love as you have shown us love. Let us be examples of you Lord Jesus, to be more like you. To not only focus on how others treat us but how we treat others. Remove any pride from our hearts, let us remain humble and meek. So us your heart and help us to understand and know you more. Have you way in this house and in each and every one of us, In Jesus name Amen!

Scripture: Ruth 1:13-14 “Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? Would ye stay for them from having husbands? Nay, my daughters; for it grieved me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again:and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her”.

The book of Ruth is one of my favorite books in the Bible it is a love story of not only a man and woman, but of friendship and it mirrors the love that God has for us. In this particular passage we see that Naomi has decided to return to her homeland. But Her daughter-in laws do not want to leave her. It was custom in those times that the men would work and take care of the family, and if a woman was left without sons or a husband she was very poor. So Naomi advises her daughter-in-laws to leave her to return home and move on with their lives. Naomi was speaking from a place of pain and hardship, she was bitter, and in a very low place because of all the losses she had faced.

Life happens to everyone, not everyday will be sunshine, but even rainy days have a purpose. We can not always see why God allows certain things to happen. Especially when they bring us hurt, pain, confusion, and despair but we must be encouraged God is always in control! This is where trusting God comes in, having faith comes in, and have a personal relationship with Jesus to get us through those tough times. For the Lord is dependable and we can count on him.

So Orpah chooses to go on with her life and leave Naomi but Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi. We have already talked about the decisions we make, consequences of those decisions, and that losses and suffering are a part of life. The scripture also says, “How can two walk together unless they agree” (Amos 3:3)? One of the greatest lesson we can learn is knowing when to say Goodbye!

I have learned this the hard way holding onto things and people that were not meant to be in my life. And because I did not let go and let God I suffered losses, because I was stubborn and did not want to give up control. Or at least I thought I was in control but really all I did was give the devil room to come in my life. If God says No, the answer is simply No and we must accept that. God is not going to ask us to do anything that is outside of his word or character. As we build relationship with him we really get to know him, beyond the stories in the bible it becomes personal. God knows what is best for us but many times because of emotions or lusts or just selfishness we do not listen to God in every area of our lives. God has given us free will we can choose what we want. It is always best to obey the Lord even when what he asks us to do, does not seem to make sense to us. God always has a greater perception and the bigger picture in mind.

It did not make sense for Ruth to stay with Naomi it would seem that Orpah followed good sound advice. But as we continue on in the book of Ruth we will see the importance of Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi.

Lord I pray that you would give us discernment to know right from wrong, who is sent from the enemy is and who is sent from you. Help us to use your judgement when letting others go, or drawing closer to those you have place in our lives. Let us not get so wrapped up in a man or a woman that we lose sight of our relationship with you, or the destiny and purpose you have placed in our lives. Let your desires be our desires, we thank you for this wonderful time, and we look forward to you moving in great ways on today. In Jesus name Amen!