You are not forgotten. These four words are a gush of water to a dry, parched soul.
I think of Naomi and Ruth’s story. Although Naomi seemed to have done everything right, disaster seemed to thrive at her address. Bitterness was the dress she wore because it was the only outfit that seemed to ever look good on her. But why? Why her? Did she really live all of those faithful years to be forgotten by God?
Ruth was even more innocent. Young, with her whole life in front of her, yet the image of her fairytale future was slipping away. What could she do now except to stay loyal?
The world does a great job of helping us to see things from a very narrow-minded perspective. “God has forgotten you,” they say. However, God reminds us often in Scripture to take our minds off of what we see and simply trust in Him.
In the story of Naomi and Ruth, God reminds us:
- There are no coincidences in God’s eyes. He uses every moment of our lives to work for His master plan (Ruth 2:3).
- Trust God to supernaturally provide and protect. You are not responsible for the details—God is. You are responsible for obedience to walk each step with confidence in an amazing God (Ruth 2:8-9).
- Hard work and sacrifice are always rewarded. Don’t listen to the enemy that tells you that your labor is worthless or that no one cares. God sees. God cares. He rewards those who faithfully work hard (Ruth 2:11-12).
- God will set you in the high place you deserve when it is time. The desperate valley that seems to own your footprints is not your destination. You are His daughter. He has a great purpose for everything He does. Trust Him and remain faithful (Ruth 2:14).
I encourage you today to read the complete account in Ruth. As we watch Naomi and Ruth’s story unfold, we clearly see the God we can trust working all things for good. Let this be a reminder to you today you are not forgotten. He knows the rest of your story and you can trust Him today!
Reprinted with permission from the Assemblies of God Women’s Department. Karla and her husband, Mike, have served in ministry together for 17 years. They have served both as staff pastors and as lead pastors. In addition to her role as a minister’s spouse, she is currently a youth pastor and women’s speaker. They have two teenage sons, Jonathan and William.
