Ruth 1:1-4::

Even the start of a new book has a continued lesson for me to learn. Through Naomi, Ruth and Orpah ,I saw how each dealt with the loss of their loved ones in different ways.
Naomi felt that God had gone against her in some way, and that this was God's punishment for her own sins. This is sounding so familiar to me....

Ruth 1:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!”

It is easy to blame God for any misfortune, and a natural reaction for most, but it is so far from His truth, and that is the learning curve I still struggle with. I know God has a purpose for everything, even if I don't understand it at the time. Affliction is a necessary part of His sovereign and loving purpose which is to be strong in His grace!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Thorn in the Flesh

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So the molding and shaping continues within me, through life's triumphs and turmoil my life lessons are incomplete, until His will be done!

Isaiah 64:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ But now, O Lord,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.

I just know whatever He has in store for me will be far greater than I can ever imagine!

Praise His Holy Name For He Has Risen!

                        Happy Easter!