Chosen by God!

“The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.” (Ruth 1:4-5 NLT)

The sons did not, could not, marry within their culture. After marrying Moabite women they later died leaving Naomi both husbandless and childless in a strange land with no family protection.

“But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.” (Ruth 1:8 NLT)

We know from the previous verses that Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were returning to Judah because the Lord was blessing there. Along the way Naomi released her daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers. She also spoke a blessing over them. One left and one, Ruth, stayed to travel with Naomi. I'm reminded that Naomi, her husband, and sons left because of famine and now that God was blessing Judah they could return. Leaving was never meant to be a permanent thing.

This story reminds me that everyone isn’t a part of our entire journey. There are some that will travel all the way with us and some that will drop off as others pick up. I see the respect and love these daughters-in-law shared for Naomi and she for them. When it’s time for people to leave we should release them with blessings, even if we didn’t initiate the separation. We must trust that if they leave then they are no longer part of our journey.

"The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually)." (Numbers 6:24-26 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