"Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Yahweh punish me, and do so severely, if anything but death seperates you and me." Ruth 1:16-17
"Have faith in God." Mark 11:22
The story of Ruth should be an encouragement to us is any difficult season. You may be going through a dry time. Your life may be overwhelmed by drought and famine. Maybe you're in a financial drought, or a spiritual drought. Don't lose heart! Ruth encourages us that there is hope in our darkest hour.
The selfless response of Ruth to Naomi is the key to unlocking the story of Ruth. What might seem like two insignificant women and one insignificant decision became one of the most pivotal moments of redemption history.
When life hits you with the unexpected, you can choose to respond like Naomi or Ruth. Naomi felt God had treated her unfairly, and she blamed him and accused Him for all the bad that happened to her. Although no blessings had been promised that she could cling to, Ruth refused to spend the rest of her life wallowing in grief and self-pity.
Faith demands courage. It takes risks and acts according to God's Word. We can face an uncertain future or great loss or unexpected tragedy and grief with courage, knowing our heavenly Father cares for us and brings life out of death.
He is a God of resurrection power! He hasn't changed, and He hasn't fallen off the throne! He can turn your situation around in a moment with one touch of His hand and one word from His mouth.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Heb. 13:8
