Ruth is one of my favorite Biblical characters. Her story resonates within me and reminds me that God thought about me before I was even formed in my mother’s womb and that He has a purpose for my life. I take my assignment very seriously and each day I purpose to walk out the plan of God for my life. Today’s post is from the book, Life Lessons from the Book of Ruth, written by my dear friend, Garnet Nowell. Let’s take a look at the lessons we learn from the Book of Ruth.
We know the story of how Ruth and Naomi returned from Moab and Ruth worked in the fields of Boaz to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. As we study the life of Ruth we see her determination of follow Naomi back to Bethlehem. In fact, she strongly and aggressively told Naomi that she wanted to join her on this journey. Ruth 1:16, states “But Ruth replied, Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.” The use of the word urge (to aggressively press up against someone, even afflicting them physically) demonstrates that she was strongly advising Naomi that she was going with her to Bethlehem, and there was nothing Naomi or anyone else could say or do to stop her. She recognized God’s leading, and she followed her heart toward more abundant rewards. She pledged her loyalty to Naomi and to Yahweh.
If we follow Ruth’s example, we can find and fulfill our true purpose. Ruth endured the passage of each season, and as the seasons changed, her life changed for the better. Even though her father-in-law, Elimelech, journeyed from a place of blessing (Bethlehem) to a place of curse (Moab), Ruth, in her wisdom, reversed that curse. She went from a cursed place to a place of great blessing. This life lesson offers encouragement to those going through difficult seasons. Remember, seasons are change agents. I urge you to continue to trust God in each new season and watch Him do exceedingly and abundantly above what you asked or expected (Ephesians 3:20). God bless each of you on your journey of pageantry and purpose. If you would like a copy of Garnet’s book you can find it here.
