From Famine and Unbelief to Faith and Prosperity!

“¹⁸ If in spite of all this you still will not listen to Me and be obedient, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. ¹⁹ I will break your pride in your power, and I will make your sky like iron [giving no rain and blocking all prayers] and your ground like bronze [hard to plow and yielding no produce]. ²⁰ Your strength will be spent uselessly, for your land will not yield its produce and the trees of the land will not yield their fruit.”      Leviticus 26:18-20

Elimelech and Neomi (Ruth 1:1-5)

A famine serves as a means for God to capture our attention. Discipline is then necessary because of our disobedience. The signs of disobedience become clear when we choose to walk by sight rather than by Faith.

In Leviticus God intended to “Dismantle thier pride”. He would utilize the rain to ensure the soil became so hard that the seeds could not germinate. Immense effort would be necessary due to the absence of rain and “yet you have not returned to Him.” (Amos 4) One might assume that such hardship would prompt us to humble ourselves into repentance, yet at times we still choose to remain unrepentant.

Why do we let ourselves reach a stage where God has to grab our attention through famine? Our famine consists of the trials, hardships, and challenges we face. (I recognize that not every trial stems from disobedience.) Yet, we permit our vision to influence and distract us from our stance and position through Faith? It’s essential to examine our desires and identify what still holds sway over us, potentially leading us away from Him. However, scripture clearly outlines the repercussions of disregarding and disobeying the Lord’s voice while neglecting to follow all his commandments. (Duet 28:15) Even if we assert that we cannot hear his voice to obey, His Words in scripture still resonate and speak if we are open to “have ears to hear.” (Matt. 11:15)

We see the same mistake happen with Abraham when famine came to his land, (Gen. 12:10) and we also see this with Elimelech. (Ruth 1:1) They both had the problem of fleeing to Egypt and Moab instead of waiting for God to tell them what to do. No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, the safest and best place is in the will of God.

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” Isaiah 40:31

When we discuss walking by faith, it serves as an ideal illustration of its meaning and appearance! The challenge lies in how we react to the famine that confronts us, knocking at our door. I encourage you to ponder the different famines you’ve faced throughout your life. How did you respond to them? Much like Elimelech and Naomi, we often make choices based on our observations rather than clinging to our faith. I urge you to consider what it will take for you to take action and make a decision. Remember, not making a decision is still a decision, so let’s clarify that! What is preventing you from committing to Trusting the Lord during all seasons, including famine?

Faith is claiming God’s promises and following His Word, regardless of what you see, how you feel, or what may happen. Dedicating yourself to the Lord and fully depending on Him to fulfill your needs. When we choose not to trust Him, we are essentially calling God a liar and showing Him disrespect. Now, let’s examine the three significant thoughts in “signing up” to trust God.

Despite what you currently see: It’s important not to let your immediate perception sway you. Instead, reflect on your Biblical worldview perspective, which is accurate and relevant. How you feel: It’s crucial to have the ability to manage and regulate your emotional responses in a manner that is both healthy and aligned with biblical principles. Consider how you articulate your situations, whether in a negative light or through a lens of faith. What may happen: Maintain faith in a future event that, while it may seem uncertain, is still possible. Cling to the scriptures that assure us that what has been promised will indeed come to fruition, in His timing, as we commit ourselves to trusting the Lord.

 Famine does not need to be a part of our heritage or legacy but it’s our choice. As parents, we face choices: allow disbelief to lead us toward tolerance and avoidance, or we can choose to embrace the challenge, ensuring that everyone (including our children and children-children) understands that only through our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ can we achieve such a remarkable victory. (Deut. 28:1-14) The price is significant, but it is worthwhile when you look back and witness a legacy that advances the kingdom of God rather than cowards to Famine.

In the narratives of Elimelech and Neomi, God transformed their stories into ones of blessing, prosperity, and a remarkable lineage. Unfortunately, Elimelech didn’t get to experience his family’s name being redeemed and restored due to his death. Keep in mind that his defiance also resulted in the deaths of his two sons. Therefore, Elimelech’s choices ended up costing him more than he had anticipated. Yet, we serve a Good Good Father, who sends someone (in or out of our family) who possesses the courage to look beyond our current situation to seize the victory that remains unseen by others! The aim is to lead a life rooted in obedience and in fulfilling His promises. We will soon see how this transpires through a brave daughter-in-law named Ruth.

Are you the person ready to transform the climax and trajectory of your family’s narrative from Famine and unbelief to Faith and Prosperity?