Naomi was an Israelite woman, whose story is told in the Old Testament.  She was married to Elimelech and had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.  They lived in Bethlehem and at one-point experienced famine in their land.  Due to the famine, they moved to a neighboring country, Moab. It was known the Moabites did not believe in the God of Israel; however, both sons eventually married Moabite women. After a few years, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. She had suffered greatly from moving from her original home due to famine, and then experienced the death of her husband and both of her sons.  One daughter-in-law, Ruth, chose to return with her to Bethlehem but Naomi was miserable and said, “Where is God?  I have suffered so much pain and sorrow. I am now returning to my country a poor widow.”

        Follow the branches and the rest of the story.  Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Ruth, eventually married a man named Boaz and they had a son.  From the Israelite laws, this child was counted as a descendant of Naomi’s deceased husband and sons.  This law saved the family line and branches from extinction. Naomi’s grandson became the grandfather of King David and from this royal lineage came Jesus. Putting her trust in God, Naomi tried to save her family by escaping famine, lost her husband and sons, yet her hope was restored with her daughter-in-law, Ruth’s marriage and the blessing of a son.

        God can change ANY situation.  You are not hopeless, ever!  TRUST God. Place your HOPE in His hands, He loves you unconditionally.

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Jill