"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.)" Hebrews 11:1 AMP
I love to read about the women whose faith in God made a difference in their life. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Ruth. The book of Ruth is more than a beautiful love story. It’s about an attractive but lonely widow who steps out in faith and, through perseverance and endurance, achieves the seemingly impossible. Her life is changed dramatically from poverty to abundance. How can this happen? Ruth chose to leave her home, the country of Moab, and follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the land of Israel, God’s chosen people.
As Naomi was leaving, both daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, followed her; however, Orpah decided to return to Moab. Ruth couldn’t wait to arrive in Israel. She had seen the love of God’s people and faith had risen in her heart to turn from everything unlike God. Even though Naomi tried to change Ruth’s mind about going, Ruth told her:
“Where you go, I will go and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately went to work as a gleaner, gathering crops that were left by the reapers. Not long after she started working in the fields, she noticed Boaz, the owner of the fields. Each day he would speak to the field workers, always leaving with a smile. His way of saying thank you was, “May the Lord be with you.”
After Ruth told Naomi about Boaz, she was surprised to hear he was a relative. According to Jewish custom, a relative was expected to marry the widow of the deceased.
Boaz began to notice what a hard worker Ruth was. He also saw her sincerity and integrity. Love began to work a miracle in Ruth’s life. Because of her kindness and willingness to give of herself, God blessed her. It was not long before Boaz, a mighty man of God, fell in love with Ruth.
Ruth proved love could lift one out of a life of misery. Love can shed its light, like a sunbeam, on all that it touches. When she stepped out in faith, leaving her home, family and friends behind, her life could never be the same. It is faith that moves the hand of God.
Materially, Ruth had nothing; yet, she had so much to give. She gave up everything when she followed Naomi to Israel. She gave a labor of love when she went into the fields to glean what the reapers had left behind.
And because Ruth gave of herself, God multiplied it back to her in a way she could never have dreamed. God made her name honorable throughout the end of the ages. For after her marriage to Boaz, she had a son, Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ. What greater honor could one receive?
Thought for the Day
Faith moves mountains
Prayer
Dear Lord, we come boldly before the King of Kings seeking you with all of our heart. Help us today to move forward having faith to believe with you all things are possible. Amen.
Cross references:
- Isaiah 1:18 : S 1Sa 2:25; Isa 41:1; 43:9, 26
- Isaiah 1:18 : S Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14
- Isaiah 1:18 : Isa 55:7
Judy Davis has been writing for Christian publications for over
30 years. Her 12th book - Scripture Woven Prayers was published last year. Judy
and her husband Colin are planning to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary
this year. They are retired and enjoy traveling and visiting their
grandchildren. Judy writes a blog on her website http://happynewyoujudypdavis.com.
© Judy Davis
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