Widows Might

Have you been through a devastating experience in your life? Are there moments you feel that life is not worth living at all? Do you know someone who went through a similar experience? Have you ever wished death on yourself? You are not alone. Some of the greatest prophets have felt the same way for various reasons. Both these mighty prophets went through bouts of self pity and hatred for living itself. Yet in time they stood firm and were strengthened through God speaking to them words of comfort. Yet in the case of Naomi in the Book of Ruth, we don’t see any direct words of comfort. She seems to endure through her hardships. Persevere with no dreams or visions or revelations.

Jonah the reluctant prophet who went to spread the message of God, to the people of Nineveh, found that when God showed mercy to them when they repented, he was filled with remorse. He wanted to die. Was he more keen on their extermination than on their reformation? A very difficult prophet to understand. Another Prophet undoubtedly a major prophet was Elijah. God worked mightily through him in casting a period of draught for 3 ½ years following his prophesy for no rain. He could stand up against the whole kingdom of idol worshippers yet after causing fire to consume a water logged sacrificial mound he ran for his life and wished he were dead when the Queen issued a death warrant on him (1 Kings 19:4) .

Suppression of discouragement is a major problem. We need to express it to someone who is willing to understand and guide us wisely. The greatest source of comfort and strength is God. Through the Holy Spirit he comes to us with comfort and strength. He helps us to think through our crisis. Even Jesus on the night before He was crucified went through intense despair, and found comfort in prayer. He did did not hesitate to reveal his feelings to his disciples and ask for prayers.

Discouragement is the greatest tool that the Devil has that works on all men, rich or poor, old or young, man or woman. It is very subtle and we don’t realize it is working inside of us, until it rears its ugly head in the form of a major depression, hatred, anger…etc. We cannot really pin it down to any particular reason. It can come from following tremendous success or even after great loss.

Just like Naomi we need to have the confidence that God is there even in times of Crisis.
The greatest strength during these times is to find a good church that will help us through this crisis of hopelessness and helplessness. We need to realize the extent of the love of Christ for us and His concern to provide for all our needs. We need to reach out to those who will be able to provide us with the help we need. We need to always hope that God will provide for our needs. There may be times we fall, but through the help of the Holy Spirit we will find our way back again.

Jesus loves me this I know
For a preacher told me so
Even when I have no hope
Jesus loves me so

Jesus loves me this I know
For my teacher told me so
Even when I fall away
Jesus loves me so