And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV
Naomi’s world had just fallen apart. Her husband had died, then both of her sons. She had nothing left but two daughters-in-law, for whom she felt obligated to find husbands. One walked away (Orpah), the other one (Ruth) “clung to her” (Ruth 1:14, ESV). At the time, Naomi couldn’t see beyond her grief. She had no idea that God would turn her grief into gladness, her sorrow into songs of joy.
But let’s go back to chapter one, where Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem. When the women greet Ruth, she instructs them to call her Mara (bitter) instead of Naomi (pleasant). Her grief is so great that she allows it to define her.
But God . . . Verse 22 of chapter one tells us that Ruth and Naomi came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Coincidence? I think not. God’s perfect timing would lead Ruth to Boaz’s field where she gleaned after the reapers. She would ultimately catch Boaz’s eye and his heart and become his wife. Naomi would become a grandmother to their son, Obed, King David’s grandfather, and Jesus’ ancestor. Her story would be told and retold for thousands of generations. Her story would be forever linked to Jesus’ own story.
It is vital to grasp the truth that God has a purpose for each of our lives and calls us according to that purpose. Though trials come – and they will – we can rest in the knowledge that nothing happens to His children without a divine purpose. Our biggest struggle is that our definition of ‘for good’ doesn’t always match God’s. Though our definition of good may exclude pain and suffering, God’s definition of good includes every detail of our lives that He uses to strengthen our spiritual character and fulfill His plan.
We might never see that ‘for good’ on this side of eternity, but rest assured, He never wastes our pain. Someday, we will experience that ultimate “aha!” moment. All of our struggles, pain, sorrow, and tears will finally make sense. But until then, trust that God has a plan and He is working it all out ‘for good.’