'...and the woman was left … with her Daughters-In-Law’ Ruth 1:5 

 

When their husbands died, Naomi, Ruth and Orpah became partners in pain. Unless you've been there, you can't relate. It's a fellowship that transcends age, race, background and status - it brings the oddest people together. When you're hurting, don't look for validation from those who haven't walked in your shoes. People can't give you what they don't have. Often the best they have to offer is the kind of optimism that's glib and quickly becomes annoying. Until you can start to make sense of your pain and see the greater good in it, you'll feel like a victim. But once you see God's grace at work, and His purpose in it all, you can begin to move ahead... to marry... to have another baby... to get another job... to dream another dream... to live again. Spurgeon wrote: 'Just as old soldiers compare stories and scars, when we arrive at our heavenly home we'll tell of the faithfulness of God who brought us through. I wouldn't like to be pointed out as the only one who never experienced sorrow or feel like a stranger in the midst of that sacred fellowship. Therefore, be content to share in the battle, for soon we will wear the crown.' When it feels as if all hell has broken loose in your life, remember, Satan hasn't snatched the steering wheel from God. No, God's got it all worked out. Victory is born out of struggle. Be encouraged! God often accomplishes more through our pain than He does through our successes. So, hold on to His unchanging hand!