Every Decision Has A Consequence
by Pastor Andrew Wolfenbarger
06/04/2023
Ruth 1:13 - “Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughter; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.”
We have a toll road close to our home. When it was first constructed, I was indignant. I decided not to pay to travel to places I had gotten to for free my entire life. The problem is that the toll road is so conveniently located and can save nearly 30-45 minutes of travel time (depending on your destination and time of day). So, every time I approach it, I'm faced with a decision. Do I want to pay in money? Or do I want to pay in time? Either way, the decision I make ultimately costs me something.
The story of Ruth begins with Naomi's husband taking his family to "sojourn" in the land of Moab, which means staying for a little while. Unfortunately, they "continued" in Moab, which indicates a much more long-term choice. Many bad things happened once they arrived, namely the deaths of Naomi's husband and two sons. Ten years after she left for Moab, she decided to return to her home in Bethlehem-Judah. Based on her statements, we observe she had become frustrated at God through all this. (See verses 1:13, 1:20, 1:21) Elimelech decided to leave the country where God's people dwelt to travel to a Country where heathens inhabited. Somehow, Naomi blamed God for it all. It was not the Lord that took their family to Moab. Elimelech had not consulted God on the choices that led them down this destructive path. They were now reaping the consequences of their independence from God.
It should be pointed out that there would have also been consequences had they obeyed God and been led by Him. There is really one choice that we make every day. Will I lead? Or will I be led by God? Whatever decision you make today, whether to follow your own heart or to patiently wait on God to guide you, will have consequences.
When we choose our own path, the Bible foretells the consequences:
Proverbs 14:12-16 - "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter, the heart is sorrowful; And the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:"
When we look to the Lord in faith and trust, the Bible predicts the outcome:
Proverbs 3:5-8 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."
Are you blaming God today for the consequences of wrong decisions that you made in the past?
Will you take the lead on decisions today, or will you allow God to lead you?
Are you experiencing the positive consequences of trusting the Lord and walking in humility with Him promised in the Bible?
06/04/2023
Ruth 1:13 - “Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughter; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.”
We have a toll road close to our home. When it was first constructed, I was indignant. I decided not to pay to travel to places I had gotten to for free my entire life. The problem is that the toll road is so conveniently located and can save nearly 30-45 minutes of travel time (depending on your destination and time of day). So, every time I approach it, I'm faced with a decision. Do I want to pay in money? Or do I want to pay in time? Either way, the decision I make ultimately costs me something.
The story of Ruth begins with Naomi's husband taking his family to "sojourn" in the land of Moab, which means staying for a little while. Unfortunately, they "continued" in Moab, which indicates a much more long-term choice. Many bad things happened once they arrived, namely the deaths of Naomi's husband and two sons. Ten years after she left for Moab, she decided to return to her home in Bethlehem-Judah. Based on her statements, we observe she had become frustrated at God through all this. (See verses 1:13, 1:20, 1:21) Elimelech decided to leave the country where God's people dwelt to travel to a Country where heathens inhabited. Somehow, Naomi blamed God for it all. It was not the Lord that took their family to Moab. Elimelech had not consulted God on the choices that led them down this destructive path. They were now reaping the consequences of their independence from God.
It should be pointed out that there would have also been consequences had they obeyed God and been led by Him. There is really one choice that we make every day. Will I lead? Or will I be led by God? Whatever decision you make today, whether to follow your own heart or to patiently wait on God to guide you, will have consequences.
When we choose our own path, the Bible foretells the consequences:
Proverbs 14:12-16 - "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter, the heart is sorrowful; And the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:"
When we look to the Lord in faith and trust, the Bible predicts the outcome:
Proverbs 3:5-8 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."
Are you blaming God today for the consequences of wrong decisions that you made in the past?
Will you take the lead on decisions today, or will you allow God to lead you?
Are you experiencing the positive consequences of trusting the Lord and walking in humility with Him promised in the Bible?
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