Proverbs 14:12 – KJV – “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

As we learned in the first part of the story of Ruth, the drought that prevailed in Bethlehem in the days “when the judges ruled” is the reason why Elimelech and his family went to settle down in Moab. Elimelch’s decision to move to Moab prompts us to ask ourselves this question: How do we deal with lack, unfulfilled desires, frustration, seasons of famine in our lives where we feel deprived of something that we desire so much? Do we trust God and obey Him or do we seek for help outside of His counsell?

The drought here is a symbol of lack. It is every situation in our lives that causes discomfort, frustration, pain and worries. The drought is a condition that causes us to ask ourselves: “Why God?” And when the answer does not come as we expect, we continue with the questioning: “Where are you God? Can You hear me at all? You said you will always provide for my needs. You said I should not be worried about my bread because you will feed me just as you feed the birds in the fields. Why is all this happening to me? Where did I go wrong? Where do I go from here? How do I come out of this situation? How long will it continue like this? Where do I get help from?”… and so on, and so forth.
The drought in our lives is a situation that seems overwhelming to us: “How will I feed my children? How will I ever be able to pay my debts without a job?” These situations that we face on a daily basis appear to us like a mountain that seems impossible to remove, and we feel so helpless, abandoned and desperate, all alone in the storms of life. It can be a sickness that is devastating us, causing us to doubt God’s ability to heal, deliver and restore. In such times we are often tempted to take steps that we believe will help solve the matter. Sometimes we are surrounded by friends who will give us an advice that will just lead to a dead end. The time of drought is a moment of temptation, uncertainty and fear where we might become bitter and turn our back against God.

The drought is a situation that creates a want. What have you been longing for? What is that burning desire that is constantly taking you away from God’s presence and purpose for your life, just as in the case of Elimelech and his family? What is the name of that thing that has been tempting you so often? Is it a habit? Is it a particular plan of yours, or is it just a recurrent thought? Name it, face it and fight against it. One of the reactions that we have facing such difficult times is to run away. But running away from a difficulty has never been a solution because we always meet the same issue at the next corner and even in a greater magnitude, waiting for us to face it. While facing a tough time we might run away into all kinds of “harbours”, hopping to find help and relief but at the end depression sets in, sickness takes over, and in the worse cases, death is the tragic outcome.

God has a way of allowing His children to starve next to their biggest temptation: drought in Israel, food in Egypt. Drought in Bethlehem, food in Moab. Only few steps away to what appears to be the answer to your want. What will you do? Sin is never too far. It is always up to us to decide whether we will turn the time of famine, lack and frustration we are going through into a time of blessing, favour and prosperity. As we honour God in the times of discomfort He will honour our faith and trust in Him. But what is God’s purpose in the drought? This is what we will try to find out in the next chapter. (To be continued) mt