Not ForgottenSample

Ruth

Ruth and Naomi were in a horrible and seemingly hopeless situation. Their husbands and providers had died, Naomi was old, and Ruth was a foreigner in a country that did NOT like outsiders. Yet, Ruth had something inside her that didn't give in to fear, anxiety, and depression; and she had hope for her future.

I've often wondered what Ruth saw in Naomi and Elimelek and their family that drew her from believing in idols to leaving everything she knew and putting her trust and worship in God. It didn't make any sense on the outside, but Ruth's heart was captivated by finally seeing something genuine, authentic, and powerful. She bet her whole life and future that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was real and would accept her, even though she was born an "outsider."

Sometimes, we face problems and situations that seem impossible to fix or overcome, like Ruth's. Sometimes, we can't begin to see how even God can work something good out of the mess. Ruth 2:12 shows us a key to what to do during those times: "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." We find refuge in pressing against the Lord and taking shelter under His wings. Ruth was diligent and faithful but wasn't running around in fear. She pressed into the God she had discovered was like no other and trusted Him to care for her.

Are there areas in your life where you feel helpless or hopeless?

What would it look like for you to lay down your fear and take refuge under your Heavenly Father's wings?