Have you ever been reading the Bible and suddenly something grabs hold of you so tightly, you know, oh you know, that God has opened your eyes to a new truth? That He has spoken to you loud and clear? Not through someone else, but directly to you? That happened to me one morning while reading the story of Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi.
How many times have I read this story, taught this story, pondered this passage, and yet, God still opened my eyes to something new? Stand with me on the road back to Bethlehem as Ruth and Orpah are crying because their mother-in-law, Naomi, is headed back to Bethlehem. They both wanted to go with her, begged to go with her, pled to go with her.
But then Naomi said to the girls: “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD’s hand has turned against me!” (Ruth 1:11-13 NIV).
So Orpah turned around and went home. But 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. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.” (Ruth 1 16-18 NIV).
Ruth, a Moabite, told Naomi, “Your God will be my God!” God was enough. She didn’t care if there was no husband, no future, no provision. She was not turning her back on Naomi. She was not turning her back on the God of Abraham. She was moving forward and trusting God!
There was nothing for Orpah in Bethlehem but God. There was nothing for Ruth in Bethlehem but God. How many of us look at the future as Orpah did? We look ahead and it looks bleak, so we give up, turn around and go backwards…tuck our tails and go home?
How many of us look at the future, as Ruth did? She saw only God, and continued moving forward? How many of us, like Ruth, believe that God is enough?
I’m going to have to stop and pray right now: “God, I don’t see anything positive in this situation. I don’t see any hope. But I do see You and that’s enough. I’m moving forward…to Bethlehem…to the city whose name means, “House of Bread!”
How many of us are willing to be a Ruth? “God I don’t see what the future holds. I know others around me don’t see any future for me. I have Naomis in my life who tell me to turn around and go home. But God, you are enough. You are more than enough. You are all I need. I’m moving forward. I’m moving toward You!”
Ruth didn’t see anything bright in a future in Bethlehem. No husband, no home, no children. All she saw was God. And what did God give her in Bethlehem? He gave her a husband, a home, and children. All she saw was God…and God blessed her in ways that surprised everyone – including her own self.
And what happened to Orpah, the gal who turned around and went back home because she believed Naomi’s prediction of a bleak future? Who knows? We never heard about her again.
Dear God, no matter what anyone tells me today to try and discourage me from following hard after You, I am pressing forward. I am believing in You. I am trusting in You. I am clinging to You. You are more than enough. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is your favorite part of the story of Ruth and Naomi? Click comment and let’s share!
How will you encounter God today? As redeemer, healer, provider? The more you know Him, the more you trust Him. Throughout Scripture, God reveals His character and His ways through His names. If you would like to know more about who God is, check out our Girlfriends in God book, Knowing God by Name. Here, Mary, Gwen, and I dig deep into 40 of our favorite names of God in our familiar Girlfriends in God style. I also have a Praying the Names of God laminated card that fits snugly in your Bible.
Comments 30
Perfectly timed! My husband is leaving me and I just said to my precious mother in law that as long as I have God, I have all I have ever had need of. God’s children never have to beg for bread and he has a plan for me and my future is secure.
Amen, Hello Kelly my husband walked out on me and I waited and prayed for restoration. He moved on with someone else. One day God said okay you done all you can do let go this marriage is over. I had grounds for divorce. I divorced lived my life so thankful to the lord. God was all I needed. Than God brought a wonderful man into my life, but you see God was all I needed that I had no desire for anyone else, but as God spoke to my heart, this man loves me, consistent, God fearing. I am truly amazed of such the love that pours forth from my new husband. I give all praise and honor to God. I just felt lead to share my story. God can do the impossible. Be blessed and with god you can get through this, I did.
Amazing thank God for your faith!
I’m so very sorry you’re going through this… but appreciate your transparency to others.
May the Lord God bless you!
B
Will pray for you.
The same thing happened to me Kelly, 2 years ago. It’s very painful, but God has definitely been there for me, and He’s working a new plan for my life! You are right, if you have God, that’s all you need. He really will provide for you and be with you every step. Praying for your peace and comfort.
Thank you for this Devotional! I am seeking GOD because he is more than enough! I am in the process of a Divorce and my fiances are stretch to the breaking point but GOD! I know that the situation looks dime but I will move forward toward GOD!
Keep believing. God providing for me and my 2 children, even though I have a mortgage on my own! Tithe and offerings show our faith, don’t quit, the devil wants you to be afraid. I’m sorry for your divorce, it seems like that happens a lot these days, but just keep moving forward! With Jesus!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional. Yesterday during Church service our Minister preached on Elijah and Elisha which also refused to leave him although he knew that he was about to die in 1 Kings 2. A similar scenario here with Ruth and Naomi. Ruth refuses to leave Naomi in both stories I learned that there’s a blessing when you remain. I am so encouraged to remain in Christ and yes He is more than enough!!!
God is so good. He has never left me and I have never blamed Him for this trial I have encountered. It has been very difficult but I have grown though this trial of Persecution. The question I have asked of God a number of times is how long Lord. I am healing more and more each day and I believe my daughter will be set free from the eating disorder that has crippled her and taken many years of her life due to evil practices operating in a Christian School. I believe my nephew will also be set free from evil spirits that have been a mental barrier for him for more than a decade. I need to have the courage to walk to the front of my church and let the people know the goodness of God.
To put all my TRUST in God as He is enough.
As you study this story, you realize that God knew exactly who Ruth was and He already knew the plan for her, even when she certainly could not. How much more He knows my path already and is with me through it all. Also, what a servants heart Ruth had!
Great insight ! God already knew the plan He had for Ruth.
She followed with a servant’s heart…may we learn to do the same…
Great message.
A very interesting story indeed of Ruth , Orpah indeed.
Ruth looked at the future, was persistence, had knowledge and understanding of the God of Naomi the mother inlaw – God of Israel.
Orpah couldnt see or visualise the future, lacked understanding and knowledge of the God of Naomi.
In the book of Jeremiah ”It is written God has a plan for man, plans of peace not evil to give a future and expected end’
Ruth had hope for the future despite the prevailing circumstances.
Am so motivated by The story of Ruth and Naomi
Teaching me to hold on and never give up. Trust God and lean on Him always.
Support each other, Naomi needed that person who will be there for her in these trying times. After loosing everything it was comforting to have Ruth by her side for strength and reassurance that not all is gone, am still here.
However I wish God can reveal to us About Opha’s journey because I personally think that her decision teaches us a lot too. For example knowing your worth and accepting things that did not work, in a positive Way and move on.
Opha rose up after loosing The love of her life, dusted herself (maybe) and moved on. Oh how I wish to know Opha’s journey too
I am glad that I joined your site. It is always so timely. It encourages me and lift my spirits to keep pressing forward. I recieve conformation everytime. Thank you.
Blessings
Stephanie Edwards
God is our great Shepherd today.. I must never forget to listen and follow His voice.
I’ve been through a lot within the past few months – recovery from cancer surgery; heartbreak, remorse after my survival and basically trying to understand who I am in this world. After reading today’s message, and reading the book, CRUSHING by TD Jakes, the scales are falling off and I’m beginning to see that God truly has a plan for my life. Orpah I will not be, but I honestly admit that I’m afraid of letting God down after going through and experiencing all of the miraculous things that He’s allowed me to see and experience.
All I ask pray for my strength, patients, and to continuation of the scales falling.
The love, genuine care and respect that Ruth showed to Naomi was inspiring to me. Neither woman knew what the future held , but Ruth was going to stay and take care of Naomi. God blessed Ruth for her selfless and compassion. If only I could be a Ruth every day!
Sharon, this was so insightful. As a single, childless woman I cannot tell you the number of times that I’ve asked God to bless me with a husband, a home, and children. I have often assumed that Ruth must have prayed for these three things as well. She stayed open to God’s leading and was determined to be a blessing to her mother-in-law. She sought God’s face and not the gifts of His hand and He rewarded her. Had she chosen to return to Moab or become bitter about her circumstances, she would not have entered into the beautiful future God had prepared for her. Ruth has yet again inspired me to keep moving forward. Thank you for this timely reminder.
So Wise ~ thanks for sharing!
I loved the part when Ruth told Naomi that she was going and that her God would be her God.
Thank you Sharon for your wonderful insights. I really enjoy getting Girlfriends of God. I appreciate your partner’s in Christ.
God’s Blessings on your ministry.
God’s ways are perfect we can trust His love and faithfulness. He never lies He is the same yesterday today and forever. Beautiful devotional I shared with others thank you for realness
It is always a blessing to get your devotional. Trusting that God has your future in His hands is tough. In January my life was turned upside down with the passing of my Daddy. He has lived with me for 20 years. I started becoming his caregiver 8 years ago. The last 2 years he has needed 24/7 care. It hasn’t been easy, but I have been blessed because God called me to be an example of Him to my Daddy. Never expected to be caring for him in such a way, but God equipped me for it. Now God is all I have and will ever need. He is my comfort, my joy, my healer and my provider. God has been so good to me!
I have tried for years to get my Mom and family to accept me and include me in family functions. Even though they didn’t include me I still sent my Mom cards on holidays and birthdays to let her know that I’m here and that I was proud of what she taught me growing up. I took the Bible Study “I’m enough” with Sharon and it opened my eyes that I’m a good person and that I didn’t have to beg for God’s love. He loves me just the way I am. When my Mom became ill last September and passed I didn’t know exactly how I felt at first but Mom told me she missed me. Maybe that was her way to saying she was sorry for all the lost time. I’m glad I spent the last days with my Mom and I know that God was with me every step of the way. I know that God is all I need because He has always been there, never left, kept me safe and has blessed me in so many ways that I can’t thank Him enough. I know my Mom is in a good place because she always loved God and couldn’t wait to kiss the feet of Jesus. She taught me well on how to love even from afar.
What a great message. I love how you are inclusive to everyone even when they are not directly affected by the topic. Thank you Sharon for being a brightlight in our lives.
I had the song based on this part of scripture sung at my wedding 42 years ago!! “Whither Thou Goest” spell check is not letting me say it or I’m probably spelling it wrong, but basically it was Ruth saying, where you go, I’ll go! In 1977, way back when, I guess you could use songs that had special meaning, even though it was not a dialogue between a husband and wife, that’s how it was written! I so enjoy getting your devotions every day!
Thank you so much foe this encouraging been wanting to gv up on God on so many times becouse the more i pray the more things get worse sometimes i even feel like God has forgotten me but thank you.i will not quit i will not given up for my God is the good God and God of time.
Hey, you’re story sounds familiar, for years i got discouraged when I prayed and things seemed to get worse instead of better! Until someone made a comment one day…that really changed EVERYTHING!!! She said …well of course it’s gonna get worse…the enemy will get more and more ticked off and he’s going to try to discourage you and make God look like the bad guy! Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better, we can’t see the stuff God is doing behind the scenes! I want to encourage you keep fighting!! Pray scripture over your situation, worship God cause He’s worthy to be praised!!! And remind the enemy you’re not about to give up or back down!!!! For greater is HE that is in you….then he who’s in the world !!
A timely message. I was feeling down and alone. Been going through so much financial strain for quite some time and I felt that God has forsaken me. Am very encouraged by this message. I need to move forward like Ruth and know that God is all I need. I know he will move me out of the valley.
Not giving up. I’m weary but I won’t stop pressing on towards my Lord