This summer, I attended the most exciting wedding. My niece, Erika and her high school sweetheart, Tyler, are beginning the adventure of their lifetime. (By the way, this is one of their wedding pictures...aren't they beautiful?!) Erika is a wonderful christian woman and devoting her life to a ministry she can only dream about at this point. Tyler has been accepted to John Hopkins University, he wants to practice world medicine...going into third world countries to bring about healing in a crazy lost world. The happy couple began this adventure with a lovely outdoor wedding which made friends and family feel like an important part of this momentous occasion.
Yet, in the background, was a beautiful mom who was determined her daughter would have the best chance at everything life had to give. It began in church...with a devoted relationship to her Lord and Savior. Her mother, (my sister) could have been a bit like Naomi...bitter. You see, Joyce was a single mom for years. She raised her children from babies to teenagers, giving them what she had and even what she wished she had. Joyce was mom and dad, provider and nurturer to two active and beautiful children. Her son, Zack, raced dirt bikes while Erika played softball. Each weekend, Joyce was attending one event or the other while giving no thought to herself. Her children were always dressed nicely and provided for very well, while mom was content just to see her children succeed. There was no time for dating, no time for primping, even very little time for friends.
This all changed one day in a most unexpected way. Zack was having problems at school when Joyce met a teacher who wanted to help Zack and his family. Once he met Zack's mom...well it wasn't long before he was a full fledge member of the family. God was sooooo good, He sent someone who actually understood the values Joyce placed on her family. Then,again, the unexpected happened. John (her husband) underwent surgery on his colon and things didn't go well. He suffered a stroke and other life altering changes occurred in his body. Yes, Joyce could have been bitter...yet she clung to the One Provider who brought her through it all.
As our study begins to close, we read in Ruth 4:14-15 about Naomi. The story didn't end with Ruth and Boaz; it concludes with the riches God bestowed on Naomi. As Joyce sits in a hospital room with John this morning, I can't help but believe God is sooooo good. With each bump in the road that occurs, He reminds us that He is always there.
Who do you know that reminds you of Naomi? I'd love to hear about it!
3 comments:
My friend, Sharon, who visited us this week, lost her husband years ago, raised 2 kids on her own, and now gives comfort and encouragement, with the same comfort that God gave her. 2 Cor. 1:3,4
That reminds me of the grain Boaz gave to Ruth. There was more than enough to share with Naomi. I really believe our Father gives us more than we need so we can share it with others. Just like the gift of His Son!
Wow Nancy, you shared more than just the picture. I am humbled. Thanks for the encouragement. I don't always display such grace.
Scripture I held very near and dear to my heart when John was so sick was Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
I also remember John 15 where God tells us to remain in him and he will remain in us. In verse 11 he says "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
I know God is the reason.
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