The God who restores

    I recently finished reading the Book of Ruth. I was excited to read it knowing that in spite of the challenges and pain at the start of the book, the story ends on a note of hope and joy because of God’s restorative power.
    One can’t help but notice the bitterness and pain at the beginning of this story (Ruth 1). Naomi, her husband, Elimelech, and their two sons, leave their home town of Bethlehem because of famine. They settle in Moab where they hope to experience a better life. Unfortunately, Naomi’s husband dies. Her two sons marry Moabite women but then her two sons also die. Naomi is left alone with her two daughters-in-law. When she hears that the famine in Bethlehem has ended, she decides to return home. One of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, insists on returning with her. The people in the city are excited at her return but she is so bitter in spirit that she insists that they call her “Mara” which means “bitter.”
    I think that there are times for many of us, when we are faced with challenging situations that make us bitter and discouraged. We may feel completely hopeless and helpless and can’t even see the light at the end of the tunnel. We may blame God, we may blame others, we may blame ourselves. But at that point, we may feel as if we are in a pit with a cover and we can’t get out, no matter how hard we try. 
    Thankfully, this was not the end of Naomi’s story or Ruth’s. God was writing their story and He had a plan for all that He had allowed to happen to them. It’s the same with you and me. As children of God, God is writing our story. That being said, it means that God has a purpose for every negative thing that has come and that will come your way. That situation does not have the final say in your life. Naomi’s negative situation was not the end of her story either.
    As it turns out, Boaz, a wealthy and generous close relative, becomes a kinsman redeemer. In so doing, he is able to protect Naomi and Ruth and when he marries Ruth, he is able to continue Elimelech’s family line (Ruth 4). Naomi’s bitterness turns to joy, especially at the birth of her grandson, Obed. Her husband’s family line has not ended after all because God had a better plan for all that she had been through.
    Just like Naomi and Ruth, we can’t always see the end of our story. Things may look so bleak and hopeless that we may think that it’s the end. The beautiful thing with God is that when we allow Him to take over, especially at the point where we cannot continue, He turns things around in a way that we would never expect. No matter where you are, or where your story is at the moment, God is still able to write an ending of hope, beauty and joy. God is a master at restoring what looks hopeless and bitter. When you and others might be saying “it’s over” God is saying “No, it’s not.” What you think you may have lost, God is able to restore. He can restore your health, He can restore your relationships, He can restore whatever is broken in your life. 
    So, no matter how hopeless things look, I encourage you today to turn your eyes to the God who is able to do the impossible. What is impossible for you and me is possible for Him. 
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God is interested in your story. He truly desires the best for you. Though negative situations may arise, God is able to turn things around and create a story of hope, redemption and restoration.

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