Tragedies and Opportunities

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

Tragedies are unfortunately, a part of every life.

Tragedies are difficult to explain and to learn from unless we have someone else who has already been through a tragedy.

When tragedy struck Naomi (death claimed her two sons and husband) she said; “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1:20-21) “Mara” means “bitter” — Naomi was bitter. How she must have suffered!

Naomi serves as an example for us. In her family she was content, happy, her family, who she was as a mom, wife and woman was wrapped up in her family.

When her family was torn away from her so was her identity. Without her identity, Naomi became Mara, a bitter woman.

If you are one who believes that God has mistreated, left you or even hates you — those feelings are understandable. God gave us feelings to help us function in this world and to have relationships with other people. But, do not think for one moment more that God hates you or is punishing you. No, He sent His Son to give you life, God does not condemn people, He saves people.

Through the tragedy in Naomi’s life God provided for her future, a new identity and her salvation. Naomi didn’t and couldn’t see any of the work of God, in fact, she tried to push her salvation away. But God, who is great in love, grace and mercy is touched by our own weaknesses, sickness and loneliness, (Hebrews 4:15) knows you and feels your pain.

We are not told how long Naomi felt such bitterness but we read that one day, a new life with new opportunities were rising from the tragedy (Ruth chapter 2).

In Ruth 2:19 that day came for Naomi. Out of tragedy came an opportunity. Out of death came hope, love and life. God does allow us to travel through deep valleys of pain and sorrow but what rises high above these valleys are the great opportunities that God uses to strengthen and prepare you for the future and what God did for Naomi, He’ll do for you.

Senseless tragedies bring opportunities. We may not see the opportunity immediately but God brings something good out of every event – even the tragedies — even your tragedy and that is His promise to you (Romans 8:28).

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.