At various times and seasons, we all face the need for next steps. This is simple enough when
our next step is clear, allowing us to move forward with ease and confidence. Yet there are other
times when the next step is uncertain. It is precisely in these times we need faith and courage to
step forward into the unknown. And this is exactly where Ruth finds herself as she takes her first
courageous step.
The biblical story of Ruth is sparse, providing little detail about her background. The only thing
we know for certain is she was a Moabite, married to a Hebrew. This would mean she had also
become a member of a new extended family, adopting their customs, and worshiping their God.
Sadly, after only ten years of marriage, Ruth finds herself widowed, along with her sister-in-law
Orpah, also recently widowed, and her widowed mother-in-law Naomi.
Naomi’s Decision/Ruth’s Insistence
Soon afterwards, Naomi received news that Yahweh had blessed His people in Judah with good
crops. Because of this she prepared herself, along with her daughters-in-law, to return to her
hometown in search of provision. Not long into their journey, however, Naomi realized that it
would be in Ruth’s and Orpah’s best interests to return to Moab, where they at least had a
chance to remarry and have children. Orpah realized this made sense and tearfully parted with
Naomi and Ruth. Yet Ruth was not persuaded saying,
“[Dear Naomi] Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
Above and Beyond
Ruth’s response to her mother-in-law was much more than an offer to go with her on her journey
to Bethlehem. Instead, it was a commitment to reorient her life around Naomi for her benefit. In
essence, Ruth was saying,
“Dear mother-in-law, I’m going with you, and nothing you can say or do will cause me to change my mind.” While there might have been others willing to join Naomi on her journey, Ruth’s commitment went above and beyond, as she was committed not only for the journey, but for life. “And when Naomi saw that, [Ruth] was determined to go with her, she said no more.”
Naomi is Bitter
When Ruth and Naomi finally arrived in Bethlehem, the entire town welcomed them warmly. I can only imagine this as relieving and healing to both women following tremendous loss, and a long journey.
[Naomi’s friends, overjoyed, asked], “Is it really you [Naomi]?” [But unfortunately, she replied saying],“Don’t call me Naomi,…Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty….” Ruth 1:20-21 NLT
I have often wondered how Naomi’s words might have landed on Ruth’s ears at that moment. You are bitter? You are empty? Your life is no longer full? Have I not brought even some comfort to your life?
If potentially Ruth had any of these thoughts, she never verbalized them. Instead, she chose to overlook any offense, recognizing Naomi’s words were not meant to hurt, rather spoken from her own brokenness.
Perfect Timing
The first chapter of Ruth’s story ends with this final cliffhanger statement,
“So Naomi… accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth,…arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.” Ruth 1:22 NLT
This was a major, rather than a minor, detail. The timely arrival of Ruth and Naomi into Bethlehem was not a matter of chance or even good luck. Instead, this was the unseen hand of God at work in the lives of two women for their good and for His greater, eternal purpose which we will cover in upcoming weeks as we continue to look at Ruth’s progressive steps.
In Closing
As I reflect upon this, I recognize that Ruth’s faith journey all began with an initial courageous step. Without this first step, none of her other steps leading to the grand finish of her beautiful, inspiring story would have been possible.
And this is the lesson for us today. Rather than remain stagnant, our potential to move forward following crisis into new seasons and opportunities is dependent upon our next steps. And every courageous, faithful step we take eventually leads to God’s predetermined plan for our lives.
So perhaps take some time to consider what next step God may be leading you to take. Then commit like Ruth to take your first courageous step forward.
Pray
Father God, thank you for the courage and strength I have in you. Please help me to follow you daily as I journey through life. I find peace in the knowledge that you personally order, direct and protect my steps. You are an amazing Father. In it an honor and privilege to walk in step with you. Amen
Extend grace to others!
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Community Question of the Week
In what specific and personal way does the scripture below encourage you as you prayerfully consider your next steps? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Encourage others with your response HERE!
