Ruth 1:1 A Famine in the Land CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
There a number of famines recorded in the Bible and often, in spite of these famines, you will find God’s blessings in famines. This helps us when we face natural disasters and terrible hardships in our own lives to remember that oftentimes, in spite of the trouble, God still blesses. And the blessings might not have been there had it not been for the trouble. In other words, God uses the disaster to manifest and bring forth his blessing.
The famine that sent Abram to Egypt – Gen 12:10 – this famine was used by the Lord to substantially increase Abram’s wealth and to ultimately promise him a seed and a land grant [Gen 13].
The famine that sent Isaac to Philistia – Gen 26:1 – this famine was used by the Lord to bless Isaac with a one hundredfold increase in just one year. God also used this to convey to Isaac the same blessings he had covenanted with Abraham.
The famine that sent Jacob’s family to Egypt – Gen 41:54-57 – this famine was used by the Lord to reunite Jacob with his son, Joseph, to care for Israel, and to fulfill the prophecy given to Abraham in Gen 15:13.
The famine that sent Naomi and her family to Moab – Ruth 1:1 – the Lord used this famine to get a bride for Boaz, to prosper Naomi abundantly and to continue the line of Christ [Ruth 4:17].
The famine that caused the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal – 1 Ki 17:1, 1 Ki 18 – the Lord used this famine to reveal to Israel that he was indeed the only true God.
The famine that resulted in poisonous pottage – 2 Ki 4:38-41 – the Lord used this famine to allow Elisha to heal the poisonous stew so that the prophets could eat it without harm [Mark16:17-18].
The famine that resulted in the salvation of Samaria – 2 Ki 6:25, 2 Ki 7 – the Lord used this famine during the Syrian siege of Samaria to humble Israel and to surround the city with spoil. When the Syrians fled the area, they left so much spoil, it took Israel three days to gather it all.
The famine that resulted in the testimony that there was still a prophet in Israel – 2 Ki 8:1-6 – the Lord used this famine to let Gehazi recount to the king the miraculous birth and resurrection of the Shunammite’s son. The great woman of Shunem was restored all the fruits of her land during the time that she was gone due to this famine.
The famine resulting in Nehemiah’s great revival – Neh 5:3-13 – the Lord used this famine to revive Israel as they rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem.
The famine in Judeathat resulted in Gentile assistance of the poor saints in Jerusalem – Acts 11:28 – the Lord used this famine to supply the needs of the poor saints in Jerusalem through the abundant gifts of poor Gentile saints who could give with joy through a great time of affliction because of God’s grace.