Briefly looking into biblical history, we know that Naomi lost her husband and two sons. She went through feelings of helplessness. She was utterly disappointed with God. As a result of her losses, she blamed God. The women of the city reminded her that God had not forgotten her. The child would restore her life. Her daughter-in-law, Ruth and her husband, Boaz, the wealthy landowner and their child would sustain her during her aging years. The child became the grandfather of Israel’s greatest king, David, and the ancestor of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

‘Wilderness’ experiences are the result of situations and circumstances beyond our control. I was sharing Jesus to a friend who backslid in her Christian life. This happened four months ago. She lost her business. Her husband too had lost his job. To add to her difficulties, she had little children to look after. She even contemplated suicide. Because of the sudden helplessness she had to face, many of her friends and her own family members began to ignore her. She will call me and cry over the phone. I told her not to give up on God, and that God will surely open a way for her and her family. In the midst of her problems, someone whom she had lost touch with, called her and helped her. Recently, she called me to say that things are getting better in her life now. I kept reminding her that God has not forgotten her, and that we can trust in God’s timing to turn things around for us for his glory. God is opening doors in her life. She is now regaining her confidence to face life, stronger than before. She keeps in touch with me on a regular basis.

No matter what the “wilderness” experiences in our lives, our Almighty God is able to get us through, as he is the Author and Finisher of our faith. His mercy endures from generation to generation.

Even when things are beyond our control, God is our ever-present Helper.

Ruth Devairakkam

Extended Scripture: Ruth 3–4 (NKJV)