(based on Faith in the Famine, Provision in my Praise, by Pastor Sam Rodriguez)
Introduction
How do you respond when life feels empty and barren? Pastor Sam Rodriguez’s message, Faith in the Famine and Provision in Your Praise, reminds us that God’s provision never runs dry—especially in the hard seasons. Drawing from Ruth 1, Pastor Sam unpacks how praise, faith, and recognizing God’s sovereignty can transform our spiritual famine into fresh joy and abundant provision.
Provision Is Just a Praise Away
In Ruth 1:1, Bethlehem, which means House of Bread, was experiencing famine, and Elimelek chose to leave for Moab. The lesson is that even when provision looks scarce, we should remain in our place of promise and praise, trusting God to provide. John 6:35 reminds us that Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life—our ultimate provision. No matter our circumstances, when we come to Him, we will never hunger or thirst spiritually. Finally, Psalm 100:4 teaches that praise is the gateway into God’s presence. By entering His courts with thanksgiving and praise, we position ourselves to receive from Him. Together, these verses show that provision is not about our external situation but about remaining in praise, trusting Jesus to meet every need.
Pastor Sam warns us—
“Don’t leave the place of promise just because provision looks thin.”
Reflection: Is praise your first response each morning? If you’ve been focusing on your needs, shift to gratitude and watch provision follow.
- Bread (provision) is always in praise.
“God feeds you as you praise Him.” (John 6:35)
Praise opens the door for God’s presence and provision. - Start each day with thanksgiving, not requests.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Ps. 100:4).
Even when circumstances are tough—choose gratitude first.
Your Faith Must Be Greater Than the Famine
In Ruth 1:1-2, Elimelek left Bethlehem (House of Bread) because of a famine, moving his family to Moab, a place of compromise. His decision was driven by fear, not faith. Pastor Sam points out that we often face spiritual famines—seasons of lack or hardship—but faith calls us to remain in the place of promise and trust God’s provision. Psalm 37:25 reminds us that though life brings ups and downs, the righteous are never forsaken, nor do their children beg for bread. God’s faithfulness sustains us even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Luke 22:42 shows Jesus in His greatest moment of testing. Facing the cross, Jesus didn’t flee from His purpose but prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” His faith was greater than His suffering. These verses together teach that when famine strikes—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—faith must rise above fear, anchoring us in God’s promises rather than our circumstances.
Reflection:
- Don’t let fear move you out of favor.
Desperate decisions can lead to regret.
“Decisions born out of desperation can lead to disasters.” - Even Bethlehem can experience famine—but Jesus, the Bread of Life, never runs out.
“Grace keeps baking when bread runs out.” - Declare: “I’m not going anywhere.” Stay in your place of praise and promise, even in hardship.
(Psalm 37:25) “I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their children begging for bread.”
His Sovereignty Is the Reason for Your Sanity
In Ruth 1:2, we learn that Elimelek’s name means “My God is King.” This truth reminds us that no matter the external famine or hardship, God is sovereign and reigning. Colossians 1:17 declares that Christ is before all things and holds all things together—our lives, our circumstances, and even our sanity are sustained by His sovereign hand. Revelation 19:16 shows Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, a present and eternal ruler with no rival. And Psalm 74:12 reminds us that God has been King from of old, working salvation throughout the earth. When life feels chaotic, unstable, or overwhelming, remembering that God is King brings peace to our minds and hearts. His rule provides the anchor we need, keeping us steady in faith when everything else is shaking. His sovereignty is truly the reason we can stand firm and remain sane in a world full of uncertainty.
Pastor Sam boldly proclaimed:
Jesus doesn’t need a throne—He ruled from a manger, from a cross, and conquered from a borrowed tomb.
Reflection:
- Christ is King—over all things. (Col. 1:17, Rev. 19:16)
This truth anchors our minds and hearts in uncertain times. - Worry and fear deny His kingship.
“My God is King.” Say it and believe it. - When you trust His sovereignty, joy and peace guard your heart.
Release Joy Through Praise
In Ruth 1:2, Naomi’s name means “Sweet Joy,” and she came from Judah, meaning “Praise.” This illustrates that true joy is born from a life of praise, not from external circumstances. Psalm 103:1-5 models this as David commands his soul to bless the Lord, recalling all of God’s benefits. Praise unlocks joy because it shifts our focus from problems to God’s goodness. Jesus confirms this in John 15:11, saying that His joy remains in us so our joy may be full. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength,” showing that joy rooted in God gives us resilience. Romans 14:17 teaches that the Kingdom of God is defined by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—not fleeting happiness but abiding joy. James 1:2 urges us to “count it all joy” when facing trials, because joy is not based on the absence of hardship but on the presence of Christ. Finally, Galatians 5:22 identifies joy as a fruit of the Spirit, produced as we abide in Him. These scriptures together reveal that joy is spiritual, supernatural, and sustained through praise. When we praise God, we release joy that strengthens us and carries us through every season.
Pastor Sam
“Joy doesn’t come from circumstances—it comes from praise.” – Pastor Sam Rodriguez
Reflection:
- Joy is rooted in Christ (John 15:11), empowered by the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and marks the Kingdom (Rom. 14:17).
- The world seeks happiness—but believers host joy that remains, even in trials.
(Neh. 8:10) “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” - David learned to command his soul: “Bless the Lord, O my soul… forget not all His benefits” (Ps. 103).
When joy is activated through praise, it sustains you through adversity and magnifies God’s goodness to the watching world.
Conclusion
Pastor Sam’s message reminds us that no matter the season we face—whether abundance or famine—provision is found in praise, and faith must remain greater than fear. Recognizing that Christ is King anchors our hearts and minds in peace, and living a life of praise releases the joy of the Lord as our strength. Even when life feels barren or overwhelming, God’s promises remain sure. His provision never runs dry, His sovereignty holds all things together, and His joy sustains us through every trial. So choose today to stay in your place of praise. Let your faith be greater than your famine. Declare that Jesus is King over your life. And release the joy that comes from knowing Him. As you do, you will experience breakthrough, peace, and provision—no matter your circumstances.
Will you praise Him in your famine today? Will you choose faith and declare joy over your life?
Lift your hands and say:
“I will bless the Lord, O my soul… all that’s within me… bless His holy name!”
Watch the full-length sermon below. (Message starts at 48:04)
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez is the President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. Additionally, he serves as the Senior Pastor of New Season Church with campuses in Los Angeles and Sacramento, California. He is a frequent guest on national television and has advised three U.S. presidents. He is also a prolific author, with several best-selling books, including “Be Light” and “Persevere with Power“. Furthermore, he is an executive producer of several films, including the Academy Award-nominated film “Breakthrough.” Charisma magazine named him one of the 40 leaders who changed the world. The Wall St. Journal named him one of the top 12 Latino leaders and he was the only faith leader on that list. He has been named among the “Top 100 Christian Leaders in America” (Newsmax 2018) and nominated as one of the “100 most influential people in the world” (TIME 2013).
