Ruth Truth 2: Don't focus on the Problem, focus on the Provider

Names are important. In many ways, it is often prophetic and almost "defines" the person's identity. Remember the father, Elimelech? His name meant "My God is King". Interestingly, he named his 2 sons Mahlon and Kilion (Ruth 1:3). These names meant "weakling / sickness" and "destruction" respectively.  Would YOU call your children names like these?

I wonder what happened to Elimelech, that when the children were born, that he would give them such terrible names.  Sadly, Elimelech died in Moab. And after living in Moab for about ten years, the 2 sons died as well. So Naomi is now left all alone, with her 2 daughters-in-law.

I don't want to end on a gloomy note, but it does appear pretty hopeless at this stage. Was it because of the names they were given?

Remember Jabez? He was also "born in pain", but here's the difference. Elimelech chose to focus on his problems only, whereas Jabez "called on the Lord" (1 Chron 4:10). What if Elimelech had kept his eyes on the Lord? What if he had called on the Lord?

As far as money and finance is concerned, it can sometimes be very overwhelming. It can feel like drowning, trying to make ends meet. There are practical steps that can be taken, but probably the most important is never to take your eyes off the Lord and focus on your problems only. 

So my encouragement to you is that you will call on the Lord, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” 

And God grant your request.