El Shaddai

“Almighty God”

We can find life applications in the story of Ruth, a Moabite that would not return to her pagan country, but firmly said to her Mother-in-law Naomi.

“Ruth replied, “Do not ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16)

What a statement Ruth made, and God honored her! She is in the lineage of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:5  “Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).”

But the her story does not only speaks of how “El Shaddai” blessed her, but also Naomi. These two women are synonymous because they witnessed “El Shaddai” (the Almighty God) make something beautiful from their tragic loss.

Remember their story? How Naomi’s family (her husband and their two sons) left Bethlehem due to famine. They lived in Moab, and raised their sons there where they both married. One son married Oprah and the other Ruth. A time came when Naomi’s husband died. We don’t know exactly the timeline, but some time later, a son dies.

How tragic it is when you lose a spouse while in a foreign land. Then she lost a son. Think about what it may have been like for Naomi. She has one son left and 2 daughters-in-law, in a time where women did not have much rights and she’s away from her people in the land of Moab.

The day came, when now Naomi’s only son also dies. How cruel this may sound, but these things do happen. We can’t try to explain it or even know what to say.

Yes, we as Christians could respond with scripture, saying, “this is the will of God” and He will be with you. But these words, although there are very true, they were not very comforting to Naomi. 

She was feeling hopeless, lost and alone. She decides that it’s time to return home.

The book of Ruth is only 4 chapters, but it reveals wonderful life applications for us to gleam from when our spirit is downcast, and our faith is gone. 

As you read Ruth’s story, you will easily see the beautiful hand of God in the background. He reveals Himself as El Shaddai, “the Almighty God”.

God is always working behind the scenes, as He works out something good for us, even at our lowest point, toughest storms or our darkest nights of weeping til the morning comes.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Romans 8:28 

^“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

El Shaddai, is a very personal God. He makes all things new, and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

He worked out His plan in the Book of Esther and Jonah, etc. And He is now working out His plan in your life!

Let us stand like Ruth stood before Naomi when she praised the God of Israel.

LET’S PRAY

“Father, I will go where you lead me, I will stay to do what you ask me to do, Your people will be my people, For You are my God, amen.”