CLUSTER LESSON

Divine Disruption
“In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great
disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces… for
God troubled them with every sort of distress.” 2 Chronicles 15:5-6 (ESV)

Life does not always happen the way we plan. Often, when unexpected events interrupt our
plans, it is the Lord’s doing. God has a plan for each of our lives, and He always ensures that
his will is accomplished (Proverbs 19:21).
Throughout the Bible we see people who experienced God-ordered disruption as part of their
story.
● Mary was surprised and Joseph was ashamed with the news of her unplanned
pregnancy out of wedlock (Matthew 1:18).
● Joseph was rudely awakened from his dreams of greatness when his brothers threw
him in a pit and sold him as a slave (Genesis 37).
● Naomi’s life was drastically changed when she lost everything dear to her during a
famine (Ruth 1:5).
The season we are in right now can be described as a famine. But famine is not new to God,
and Scripture teaches us how to endure it to ensure we emerge victorious.
Facts of the famine
In every famine there will be losses. In Ruth 1, Naomi experienced different types of loss.
● Loss of position
o Naomi’s family was forced to move temporarily to ensure they were provided for.
o God can move us from where we are comfortable to a low place where we are
forced to depend on him.
● Loss of relationships
o Naomi’s husband and sons died, but her daughter-in-law committed to walk with
her.
o Some people will be removed or step back from our lives while others will step in.
● Loss of finances
o With her husband and sons gone, Naomi’s income was significantly reduced.
o Harsh economic times can affect our resources and our ability to earn.
● Loss of identity
o Naomi changed her name, considering herself no longer pleasant, but bitter.
o Famine can cause us to see ourselves differently.
Facts do not determine our future; faith does. God is a covenant keeping God and He will not
leave us in the time of famine.

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Faith in the famine
Sometimes, God does not get our attention in harvest time. Famine makes us change and do
things that harvest does not allow us to do.
If we view this season as time spent in the Potter’s hand – at his wheel, being perfected for our
purpose – we will use the time to focus on growth and cooperate with God’s refining
process.
Our perspective of this season will determine how we experience it. What might look like
confusion to us is perfectly ordered in God’s eyes. Our faith guarantees our victory (1 John
5:4).
Future beyond the famine
Having no other family there, Naomi left Moab broken and bitter.
● Upon her return to Bethlehem, her people excitedly embraced and welcomed her.
● Sometimes famine can shift you from where you are tolerated to where you are
celebrated.
Naomi had left her land in famine but returned to a harvest (Ruth 1:22). Even now, a harvest is
waiting at the end of the famine – for each of us and for the church.
In Joel 2:18-32 the Lord promises:
● a harvest of provision,
● a harvest of souls,
● a harvest of commitment,
● a harvest of God’s presence,
● a harvest of miracles.
Rest assured that there is a harvest for you at the end of the famine. God promises to restore
what was lost (Joel 2:25).

Every season has a purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This is our season to become who we were
called to be.
If you have experienced loss in this season, note that God sometimes takes us lower before
taking us higher. The disruption is part of his plan.
In spite of the situation, fear not. God is with us. His presence will be with us in the pit, the
palace and the prison. He will never leave us.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not
fear…” Psalm 46:1-2 (KJV)

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