“…And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her” Ruth 1:14 (NKJV).

No one would argue that we are experiencing uncertain times. We didn’t choose it; we found ourselves in the midst of it. The case with Oprah, Naomi’s daughter-in-law, was different. She refused an opportunity to start a new life with an uncertain future. The idea of accompanying her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem-Judah, seemed to appeal to her at first. The thought of her mother-in-law leaving Moab caused her to weep bitterly. I am sure she loved Naomi and would miss her presence. But there was a tug of war between her love for her mother-in-law and leaving her familiar surroundings. 

Moab was all Orpah knew. It was the place where she was born and started her life as a young wife. It was also a dark place of idol worshipers. The Moabites were the descendants of Lot and a constant source of irritation to the children of Israel. When they tried to curse God’s people, He would turn the curse into a blessing. God was also furious with the Moabites for not being hospitable to His people during their Exodus from Egypt. Thus, God would not allow Moab to associate with Israel for generations (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). God also called Moab His washpot, a dark place. (See Psalm 60:8 & 108:9.)

Unlike her sister-in-law, Ruth, Orpah chose to remain in darkness. The darkness in her soul drew her back to the familiar place of darkness. She was offered a chance for a better life. Still, the uncertainties of starting anew in a foreign land outweighed the possibilities of a more prosperous life, which undoubtedly she would have found in Bethlehem Judah—the House of Bread and the Place of Praise.

The name Orpah means double-minded. James tells us that a double-minded [person] won’t receive anything from God. (James 1-7-8) Because she couldn’t shake her old place and old way of life, Orpah forfeited the overflowing life that she could have experienced.

I am sure Orpah had multiple reasons for not taking the leap of faith to a better life. Sad to say, many of us suffer from the same excuses which keep us “stuck in the familiar.” Listed below are a few reasons that we use for not making the necessary changes for a fuller, more satisfying life. 

• It’s uncomfortable – yes, it’s like a new pair of shoes, but you wear them.
• I might be rejected – yes, you are right, some people won’t accept you, so what?
• It requires learning new skills – not a bad idea; it keeps your brain sharp and updated.
• I’m satisfied where I am – maybe you need a new mindset.
• I might look foolish – you probably will; it won’t be the first or last time.
• I don’t have the confidence – trust God.
• I don’t deserve anything better – if that’s the way you feel, ask God to help you feel better about yourself.

These excuses are an indication of a lack of courage and trust. If you are “stuck in the familiar,” why not take a leap of faith and enjoy life to the fullest?

Pray —

Lord, I know You planned a better life for me. I want to shake off every hindering blockage that’s keeping me stuck in old patterns and old mindsets. I need Your strength and direction. I want to live my best life. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

Posted by drcaretha.crawford@gmail.com on Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 @ 10:00AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational
Tags: comfortzone, confidence, mindset, Moabites, Orpah, rejection, stuckinfamiliar