EXPERIENCE GOD’S EXTRAORDINARY FAVOR

Have your problems left you wondering if God could really change your life? In seasons of bad news and waiting, we may wonder where God is and whether He is still working. But through the story of Naomi and Ruth, we learn that God can use our ordinary faithfulness for His extraordinary purposes. While His favor doesn't always mean an easy life, it does mean that He sees us, cares for us, and continues to work according to His purpose, even when we cannot see what He is doing.  

FACE GOD IN YOUR EMPTINESS

Naomi had every reason to turn away from God. After losing her husband and eventually both of her sons, she still chose to return to Bethlehem and to God (Ruth 1:1-5). Her pain did not disappear when she returned, but God was already moving in ways she could not see. One of those ways was through Ruth, who remained committed to her and declared, “Your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16). When we encounter disappointment and pain, we may not understand what God is doing, but our pain should not keep us away from Him. Instead, it is motivation to keep running to God and trust that He is still at work.

FOLLOW GOD IN FAITHFULNESS

When Ruth was left with the grief and financial strain of losing her husband while adjusting to a foreign land, she didn’t wait helplessly for her circumstances to change. Instead, she took initiative with what had been given to her and went to the fields to glean grain for herself and Naomi (Ruth 2:1-3). What seemed like an ordinary act of faithfulness was already part of God’s greater purpose, as He directed her steps to the field of Boaz (Ruth 2:12). In the same way, when we put God first and faithfully steward what He has entrusted to us, we can trust Him to guide us through the responsibilities He has placed before us.

FIX YOUR HOPE IN GOD, OUR REDEEMER

Ruth worked in faith, but trusted God with every outcome, waiting for Him to move in her circumstances and the people around her. Proving Himself faithful, God used Boaz to redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:1-10). In the same way, we are called to faithfully do our part while trusting that God will work on what only He can accomplish. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi, we are reminded that Jesus is our greater Redeemer, through whom we have redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7). Whatever season we may be facing, we can fix our hope on God, remain faithful, and trust Him.