HAPPY ENDINGS

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel!  And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age…” – Ruth 4:14-15

REFERENCE
Ruth 4:13-17

It is often a relief to finally hear a good report about someone who has had a series of misfortunes in their life. This was the case with Naomi in this account; the women of the town came to celebrate with her because the Lord blessed her with an experience (daughter-in-law, Boaz, and grandson) that made up for her misfortunes. The Lord put a smile on her face and turned her ashes into beauty.

When Naomi first returned to Bethlehem as a widow, the people were excited to see her, but she told them to no longer call her ‘Naomi’ which means sweetness, but rather call her ‘Mara’ – bitterness, because she felt the Lord had dealt with her bitterly (Ruth 1:19-21). She must have made that confession because she thought she was going to live the rest of her days as an impoverished widow. However, the tide turned in her favor, and Naomi became a reference point of testimony.

Whatever made Naomi think that her life would end in bitterness? I ask you the same question today, what makes you think God will allow you end in shame and defeat? You may be going through turbulence in different areas of your life right now, but it doesn’t mean that is the way the book of your life will end; so don’t settle for anything that does not give you a good end.

Even movie producers know that a great movie is usually one with happy endings; so, in most movies, no matter what happens in the middle of the story, they make sure it is scripted to have a happy ending. Likewise, our God is a God of happy endings; He intended Job’s life and others alike who passed through difficulties in the bible to end well (James 5:11). He intends for your life to also end well.

1 Peter 5:10 says, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” This scripture came to pass in Naomi’s life; God gave her comfort by way of leaving her with a close relative Boaz, who became the game changer in her situation.

In the same manner, regardless of how bad it looks for you now, God will not leave Himself without a witness in your life; He will see to it that a remnant remains to bring you comfort and give the story of your life a happy ending. Anchor your faith firmly on His faithfulness.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Job 42:12-17, I Samuel 1:1-20, & Romans 10:11

PRAYER

Lord I thank You because You will not allow me end in shame or defeat. The misfortunes I have passed through are nothing compared to the glory You are bringing to me. I anchor my faith on Your faithfulness because I shall have a happy ending to my story in Jesus’ name.