Chosen by God

“Naomi: Do not call me Naomi ever again, for I am no longer pleasant.

Call me Mara instead, for I am filled with bitterness

because the Highest One has treated me bitterly.

There is a Hebrew wordplay here from Naomi, “pleasant,” to Mara, “bitterness.” Even Orpah (“neck”) turns her back on Naomi.

21 I left this place full, in spite of the famine,

but the Eternal has brought me back empty from a plentiful land.

Why would you call me “Pleasant”

when the Eternal has testified against me,

and the Highest One has brought disaster upon me?” (Ruth 1:20-21 The Voice)

Naomi is expressing her heartfelt pain about all of her losses. She has determined that the losses will now define the rest of her life. She’s chosen to hold onto the losses. She’s also blaming God for her losses. She seems to see it as punishment, like God found her lacking in some way.

What do I do at loss? I try to understand the why’s but so many times there are no why’s for me to understand. While I have reacted like Naomi I still wonder why she would blame God and choose bitterness. Isn’t it easier to see it in others and not in myself? I must remember that no matter what happens to me or around me, God loves me! I have to believe:

“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMPC)

When I can focus on what God is trying to teach me in circumstances I can rise above my circumstances. My real life application is, don’t blame God, we live in a sin fallen land, and do not allow my circumstances to define who I am or what I can do.

Faith Confession:

Lord, thank You for the reminder that no matter what my circumstances say, You love me. I don’t have to choose bitterness in bitter circumstances. I can choose to rejoice because You love me and no matter what I am going through it must work out for my good. Help me to choose praise, even if I must praise through my tears.

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 AMPC)

Be Encouraged! ❤

Leisa Wilkins Ministries

"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"

Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager

www.leisawilkins.com