Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. This week, as we take a break from our Luke series, we will be reflecting on the book of Ruth. Please read Ruth chapter 1, and in this devotional, we will focus on how God often works out His great purposes through our suffering.
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‘“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”’ (Ruth 1:20)
In 1871, Horatio Spafford, a successful lawyer and devout Christian, suffered a financial disaster in the Great Chicago Fire. Shortly after, his four daughters tragically drowned in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic. Struck by grief, Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife. As he passed the spot where his daughters had died, he penned the hymn It Is Well with My Soul. This powerful hymn, born out of unspeakable loss, has comforted millions around the world. Spafford’s faith in God’s goodness amidst tragedy became a testament to how God can bring hope and peace from the darkest moments.
In Ruth chapter 1, we witness Naomi’s deep suffering. She loses her husband and two sons, leaving her without any sense of security or future. Returning to Bethlehem as a widow, Naomi feels that God has dealt bitterly with her, asking to be called ‘Mara,’ meaning ‘bitter.’ Her heart is heavy with loss, and she sees no hope ahead. Yet, even in her grief, God is working out a plan far greater than Naomi can comprehend.
Often in life, we face seasons of loss, grief, and uncertainty, just like Naomi. These moments may leave us feeling abandoned by God or questioning His purposes. But this chapter reminds us that God can use even the hardest trials to bring about His divine plan. Naomi couldn’t see it at the time, but her return to Bethlehem with Ruth was the beginning of God’s redemption story—not just for her, but for the nation of Israel. Ruth’s loyalty and eventual marriage to Boaz would continue the lineage leading to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus.
Our pain is never wasted in God’s hands. He can use suffering to shape us, deepen our faith, and prepare us for something greater. I’m reminded on how Joseph, having gone through so many hardships, was able to say to his brothers - the source of his sufferings:
‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’ (Genesis 50:20)
Here, in the difficult life of Naomi and Joseph, We glimpse the glory of Christ and how He came to this dark world of suffering that would eventually lead to His death but the salvation of the world.
Reflection
How might God be using my present trials to accomplish His greater purpose? Am I trusting Him through my loss and trials? Can I truly say, with Paul’s great text on this subject:
‘And [I] know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (Romans 8:28)
Community Group Notes
This is our week of prayer so we will meet to pray instead of in our Community Groups. Please read Church News, talk to your CG leader or contact the office for Zoom details.
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