Patti Burris

Ruth

I’m sure Ruth was not perfect, but unlike the other women listed in the genealogy of Jesus, we only see the goodness that was Ruth. We see that Ruth was obedient, compassionate, and had a servant’s heart toward her mother-in-law Naomi. She seemed to be the picture perfect daughter-in-law. Ruth seems to be the epitome of what a christian woman should be like.

If we pay close attention to the story of Ruth, we will find that Ruth dealt with her share of trials and struggles in life. First of all, when we meet Ruth, she has recently become a widow. She is grieving the loss of her husband and is facing an uncertain future.

Naomi urges Ruth and her sister-in-law Orpah to return to their own families to remarry among their own people, the Moabites. Orpah returns to the home of her family, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi. Naomi and Ruth return to Israel, where Ruth is a foreigner. It must have been hard for Ruth to live as a stranger among the Israelites. She must have been homesick and lonely. When I was a teenager, I lived in the foster care system in Los Angeles county. I was moved several times in 3 years. I was homesick. It was hard to fit in in each new foster home/placement. How do you fit in with people who already have a relationship with each other? It was a lonely time and I can imagine how hard it must have been for Ruth.

As hard as it had to have been, Ruth responded to the situation with a true servant’s heart. She could have whined about her circumstances. She could have complained that things weren’t fair. She didn’t whine. She didn’t complain. She was obedient and compassionate. Her loyalty toward Naomi was evident and God blessed her abundantly because of her attitude.

I need to exhibit more of Ruth’s character in my own life. When facing my own trials and struggles, I tend to whine and complain. I try not to, but before I know it, I am whining about this or complaining about that. I need to be more obedient, more compassionate, and more willing to act with a servant’s heart. Instead of boo hooing over the tough situations in life, I need to face the challenges with joy and gratitude, as Ruth did.

What situation or circumstance are you facing right now that you find yourself complaining about? In what way can you be an example of Ruth in your situation? How might this help the situation? Could it change the outcome of the situation to a more positive one than complaining will?

Sometimes we can change negative circumstances into positive ones simply by facing them as Ruth did. Take the trials in your life and turn them into blessings, by facing them with a Ruth attitude. Let me know if there is anything I can pray through with you. I am here, friend. I am always available to encourage you in difficult times and pray through those times with you. God Bless!

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