Read it: Ruth 1:16-22; Ruth 4:13-17
Live it:
Our reading begins with Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, expressing deep bitterness. It’s so easy to fall into bitterness toward God when life doesn’t go as we planned. In those moments, we may even start to believe that God has stopped working in our lives.
However, as the story unfolds, we see how God’s timing is perfect. Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem right at the start of the harvest season—a time of provision and new beginnings. God had orchestrated their steps, but it wasn’t a passive journey. Ruth still had to act. She took bold steps of faith, and Boaz had to be willing to step into his role as kinsman-redeemer. He did so faithfully, redeeming not only Ruth’s future but also paving the way for his great-grandson, King David.
This reminds us that while God is sovereignly orchestrating our lives, He also calls us to respond with trust and action. Even when bitterness tempts us to stop moving forward, we must choose faith and take the next step.
Ps James