Ruth 1:3-5
Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons… But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died … (Ruth 1:3,5, NLT).

When I read through this passage, my attention was drawn to the sequence of events that happened in these three verses. First, Elimelech died. Second, Mahlon and Kilion married and died ten years later with no offspring. This is an unusual situation. The question is, what happened? Did no one pray and seek God’s face for mercy in those ten years plus?

This story reminds me of what the Lord says in Deuteronomy 28 about the results of sin and disobedience. The Lord said He will shut the heavens; the lands will be barren and the heavens will be as brass with no rain. Sometimes, the signs of judgment or attack may include famine, barrenness, lack of fruitfulness and untimely or premature death. When these are observed in any life, family, tribe or nation, it is time to seek the Lord as recommended in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Please, let us not wait for ten years before we pray. Do not wait until the enemy has edged you in with no way of escape. Let us not wait until the enemy has invaded our lives, family, business, ministries before we pray and fast. As soon as you sense that you are under attack or the enemy is moving closer, it is time to pray: Let God arise and let the enemy be scattered.

Waiting for too long could cause more damage as observed in this passage. May the Lord sensitize our hearts to our situations in  Jesus’ Name. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Thank God for the word shared with us today.
• Reflect on your family situations and ask the Lord to open your eyes to see where things are going wrong as a result of sin or attack from the enemy.

Song: Lord, I look to You. I won’t be overwhelmed.

Reading through the New Testament: Acts 18