Favor in a Famine

Sermon Text: Ruth 2: 10…Why have you found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” ESV

Sermon Title: Favor in A Famine

20 Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter (21) I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me. (22) So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

Point 1: In order for favor to find you in your famine you have to acknowledge God is in control. Vs. 20…because the Almighty has made my life very bitter Vs 21…the Lord brought me back empty…the Lord has afflicted me…Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.

Point 2: God’s seasons are perfect seasons vs. 1: 1When the Judges ruled, there was a famine. Vs. 5 When she heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food…. (22) So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

a)  She arrived at the beginning of the season…not the middle, not the end, not the harvest…but when there is no real guarantee of the bounty of the harvest…but the certainty that will be a harvest

b)  Certainty about seasons…they will come and they will go

c)  They are scheduled…festival Hebrews believed God would meet them…you must schedule times when you will meet God

Point 3: Position yourself so favor can find you vs. 10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed. “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” (13) May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord, “she said. “You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls.”

Life Application:

1.  If you are in a famine wait on your favor

2.  Famine are faith growth seasons…have faith

3.  Famine is a festival in disguise get in position