The Journey of Ruth
Everyone has experienced a season in life where the dry places of the heart feel just like a desert. Spiritual rain is scarce, bitter pain destroys flowers of hope and confusion clouds any rays of sunlight.
As
the Book of Ruth opens, we find Naomi trapped in a season like this.
The fresh pain of widowhood is piercing her heart, as well as the
staggering blow of losing her two sons.
Hope was nowhere to be seen on Naomi’s radar.
I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. (Ruth 1:21)
All of her cisterns had run dry. All joy was gone.
She
was so deep in the pit of depression that she desired to change her
name to Mara, which means bitterness. Naomi felt all alone. But little
did she know that there was someone who could totally relate to her lot
in life: her daughter-in-law, Ruth.
Ruth
had also lost everything she cherished and loved so dearly. The husband
of her youth was taken from her, and now she had nowhere to turn.
Naomi
advised her daughter-in-love to go and find a new husband. “I’m going
back to my homeland. But you’re still young! You have time! Don’t waste
your life grieving with me. Make the most of what you still have.”
Despite Naomi’s compelling speech to leave her and go find a new man, Ruth had something else in mind.
Ruth
replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where
you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my
people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Ruth’s
faithfulness and devotion here go far beyond a simple act of friendship
and kindness. This is Ruth pounding her stakes in the ground, setting
her firm resolve, making a lifelong commitment to serving this woman.
“I’m not leaving you. Where you die, I’ll die, and where you’re buried, I will be buried.”
That’s
some gutsy love. That’s the kind of friendship that remains. That’s the
tenacity that Jesus requires of us when He commands us to take up our
cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).
This
same spirit of devotion urged Peter to follow Christ, even to the point
of martyrdom. This same cry, “I’ll follow You anywhere!” echoed through
the heart of Thomas as he ministered in India and Asia before being
brutally murdered for his faith. This is what kept Paul rejoicing in the
midst of his chains and beatings.
This
is what keeps a young girl on her high school campus, boldly speaking
out for Christ, despite all the teasing. This is what keeps a young man
pure until marriage, in spite of the sinful temptation this world has to
offer.
This
is what keeps the missionary going, pouring herself out and loving
until there’s nothing left. This is what keeps the pastor preaching
truth on the days when nobody shows up.
This is what keeps us lifting our hands, singing songs of praise and seeking His face in the midst of our dry seasons.
When we cry frustrated tears and it feels like Heaven is silent, we choose to press on;
“I will follow You anywhere Lord. Where else can I go? You are the One who has the Words of life. Where You go I’ll go, You are my God and my King, and my life is yours forever!”
“I will follow You anywhere Lord. Where else can I go? You are the One who has the Words of life. Where You go I’ll go, You are my God and my King, and my life is yours forever!”
Just
like Ruth, we must daily make the choice to be committed to our King.
Ruth and Naomi took the long journey from Moab back to Bethlehem despite
all the questions, pain and bitterness. What they didn’t know is that
God had something absolutely beautiful in store for them. Just up the
road, a grand adventure was about to unfold.
The
same is true for you, sister! The desert isn’t going to last forever.
This road isn’t going to lead you to more disappointment and pain.
If you’re following Jesus, keep moving forward.
This
is only the beginning of the story! The Author is weaving together a
most beautiful tale! All it takes is a few more steps down this dusty
road. The page is about to turn, and an exciting chapter will begin!
Once
the two arrived in Bethlehem, things didn’t look much better. They were
still hungry, they still had to live life and they still hurt on the
inside.
The only upside to their scenario was that they arrived just in time for the barley harvest.
Naomi advised Ruth to choose a field, settle her attention there and start gleaning. The fields were full of harvesters, hustling and bustling around, leaving an ample amount of grain behind for widows, orphans and strangers in Israel. Those who had nothing were free to glean and take home whatever they could find left over.
Naomi advised Ruth to choose a field, settle her attention there and start gleaning. The fields were full of harvesters, hustling and bustling around, leaving an ample amount of grain behind for widows, orphans and strangers in Israel. Those who had nothing were free to glean and take home whatever they could find left over.
Ruth
entered the field of a man named Boaz, and he expressed much kindness
and favor toward her. She returned home with her hands full, carrying
more than enough for both herself and Naomi. Boaz promised that she
could stay there, gleaning as much as she needed, until the harvest was
over.
The
Lord is so faithful to provide for us, even in the midst of our most
dry and desperate seasons. When we glean in the fields of our Lord,
feasting on His Word, there is always more than enough. The Lord’s
generosity is overwhelming. His kindness is too much to process. His
love leaves us speechless.
Sister, if you are trapped in a season of feeling alone or discouraged, it’s time to head out into the field.
God’s
Word is RIPE and ready for you to glean from! He desires to minister to
you, feed your heart, water it and refresh your soul. The Lord doesn’t
want you to feel orphaned and widowed. He wants to generously provide
for you—physically, emotionally and spiritually. You are His princess,
and He cares so deeply for you! He has so much to give. All you have to
do is step into His presence and receive it. The Lord is faithful to
give you everything that you need.
But
there comes a time in a girl’s life when she must step into the Royal
Throne Room of the King, and boldly petition Him for things that
she desires and dreams about seeing unfold in the future.
Truth
is, Ruth couldn’t live off manna forever. Harvest season was nearly
over, and Naomi wanted to make sure that she was thinking of the future.
Ruth
said, “My daughter, I must find a home for you where you will be well
provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a
relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing
floor. Wash, put on perfume and get dressed in your best clothes. Then
go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there
until he has finished eating and drinking. When
he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his
feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (Ruth 3:1-4)
Boaz
was in a special position to possibly rescue Ruth from her widowed
state. As a unique family member called a “Kinsman Redeemer,” he had the
ability to redeem everything that was broken and shattered in her life.
Jesus
can do the same for us! On the cross, Jesus offered the free gift of
redemption for anyone who receives it. On the cross, Jesus completely
destroyed the curse and written code against us (Colossians 2:14),
and opened up the gates of Heaven! He has promised every resource of
Heaven (Ephesians 1:3), but we must ask! Jesus said, “Until now you have
asked for nothing in my name; ask and you will receive so that your joy
may be full.” (John 16:24)
It
took boldness for Ruth to enter the threshing floor in the middle of
the night and risk it all by lying down at Boaz’s feet (an act of
submission). We must possess the same bold faith when we enter the
courts of the King by making our requests known with whole-hearted
faith! It is impossible to please God without faith.
But
how can a girl have faith and expect better things for the future, when
in the past, everything has just crashed down around her?
When
life has been difficult in the past, hope deferred tries to make our
heart sick with thoughts of discouragement like “I’ve been stuck in this
situation for so long. I don’t know how things are ever going to
change. I feel like God isn’t even listening to me anymore.”
But hope must rise up in our souls as we encounter our Kinsman Redeemer. We must pray with the strength we have left.
Lord, fill me with hope! You have promised to care for every detail in my life, and You have been faithful to provide all I need, but these dreams stirring inside of my soul feel so impossible.I desire to see You move in my life in such a mighty and powerful way, so that it’s totally undeniable that it was You! I’m asking for You to do the impossible by making these God-sized dreams come true!I know that a desire fulfilled is a tree of life, so encourage me, Lord, and help my unbelief! Strengthen me when I get weak, and so tired, and don’t feel the desire to fight for these dreams. Don’t let the lioness of courage inside of me shrink back in fear. Remind me that You are the King of the jungle! I will NOT be afraid because my Daddy is King.Raise me up to be all that You’ve created me to be, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Give me the courage to fight for the rights of all who are destitute, for the poor, the needy, and those who are in much worse situations than I am. Fill me with Your Spirit of boldness! I give You my brokenness, and ask for deeper healing. Be my swift strength. (That’s what the name “Boaz” means!)My soul clings to You, and my heart hopes in You alone. I know You will not disappoint me!
In
Ruth’s story, Boaz was faithful to ride in and save the day. Just at
her lowest point, He proved himself faithful. He abundantly answered her
request and happily took Ruth as his wife, redeeming all that was lost.
They had a son, and Ruth was no longer unfruitful. Her heart was full
and satisfied. Naomi was also so full of joy as she welcomed her
grandson into the world.
Sweet
sister, the Lord has GOOD things in store for you. His plan for you is
more beautiful than you could ever dream. Don’t listen to the voice of
deception that says “It’s hopeless.”
Just
like Ruth, you are on a journey. Whether you’re just leaving Moab, the
land of heartbreak; gleaning at the field of God’s goodness; mustering
up the courage to make a Kingdom Request, standing in the place of faith
that He will come through; or rejoicing because your Boaz has blessed
your life with joy—the journey you’re on is beautiful. Embrace every
moment and bless the Lord with each breath, because no matter where you
are, the King is forever faithful!
About the Author: Livy Lynn is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. As the founder of Crown of Beauty Magazine, she strives to reach young women and inspire them to realize their true worth in Christ. Check out Crown of Beauty's brand new book, "Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns" & come connect at crownofbeautymagazine.com.
{I attached a pic at the bottom. It's totally up to you whether you want to use it or not.}
About the Author: Livy Lynn is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. As the founder of Crown of Beauty Magazine, she strives to reach young women and inspire them to realize their true worth in Christ. Check out Crown of Beauty's brand new book, "Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns" & come connect at crownofbeautymagazine.com.
{I attached a pic at the bottom. It's totally up to you whether you want to use it or not.}
Livy Jarmusch
Founder of Crown of Beauty online magazine for girls
Visit our website: www.crownofbeautymagazine.com
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crownofbeautymagazine@yahoo.
