Vision

Ruth 1:¹⁶ “But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

Our next lesson is from the life of Ruth. Ruth moved forward after she encountered God.  Scripture introduces Ruth as a single woman, though she had been married but was now widowed and single again. As if that was not enough, this same Ruth was in the company of bitterness. Imagine someone trusting God for a life partner or someone waiting on God for anything, hanging around bitter people. The company of bitterness has a way of amplifying an already bad situation. But God came through for her.

Ruth was able to look beyond Naomi’s bitterness and see her God. She had heard about this God that fought for His people, provided for His people, and shielded His people. So she made up her mind to hold onto God and never to let go of Him. In order words, she was saying, “Your God will be my God! I know you are bitter now Naomi but there is a sweet God that is part of your linage and He will be my God” [paraphrased from Ruth 1]. Ruth was thirsty for God and she longed to be part of God’s covenant people. What you see will determine what you do. What can you see, the bitterness or God’s faithfulness?

The Bible records that Ruth humbled herself and developed a good reputation. Ruth did not allow her heart to become sour even though she was consistently confronted with bitterness. A lot of people are quick to blame their responses on other people or their circumstance. Learn from Ruth; you are responsible for your actions. Ruth risked her life to find food for herself and Naomi. Her commitment to Naomi was a statement to heaven about her heart for God.

Ruth had character and that character became her reputation. Ruth must have been a very pretty lady but she did not mess around. Guess what? It was that good reputation that positioned her for the breakthrough God had for her. You are waiting on God for a life partner; what is your reputation? What character do you have? Can people say good Godly things about you? If not, you need to ask God to help you change your character.

Prayer: [Ps.5:8, ERV] Lord, please show me Your right way of living, and make it easy for me to follow… show me how You want me to live, in Jesus Name. Amen!