Story of My Life: Ruth by Brandi Ladd

The story of Ruth is a beautiful redemption story and shows that God’s sovereignty and plan will always work for our good and for His glory. It is amazing to see the work of God’s hand throughout the entire story – even when it seems like He is not there. The story starts off with Naomi, the matriarch of the family, going through the hardest time of her life. Her husband dies because of famine in the land and then her two sons die and she is left with her two daughters-in-law. Her family line would soon be gone and their name would be no more. Naomi became very bitter towards God and couldn’t understand why this happened to her. She told Ruth and Orpah to go back home to their families so they could remarry and have the security of their homeland.

It is at this point in the story we see the character of Ruth and her faithfulness to Naomi and to God.

She says to Naomi, “Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” [vs. 1:16]. Now remember Naomi didn’t want them to come because she didn’t think anyone would want to marry them since they were foreigners in the land.  She thought their life would hold more promise if they went back to their homeland. It is merciful providence that brings Ruth to Bethlehem. It was the kindness of God that brought her to the land. He is gracious even when we think he is silent.

So they arrive in Bethlehem and immediately Ruth shows initiative by asking “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone who allows me to?” She made a commitment to take care of Naomi and she is going to work to do that! And it just so happens that the field she is blessed to work in is Boaz, who is a part of Naomi’s family. Not a coincidence. The Lord is at work in the life of Naomi and Ruth! Ruth is so humbled that Boaz has shown her favor to work in his field and she doesn’t understand why. Boaz recognized everything she had done.

She took refuge under the wings of God by trusting Him even when she had no idea what she was walking into. She set her heart on what God could give her instead of what her mother, father, and homeland could offer her. By God’s sovereignty, Boaz and Ruth marry and Naomi’s family name can be carried out. This is a beautiful redemption story of God’s grace and sovereignty. We can trust in His perfect timing and even when we don't think we see God at work, He is!

Ruth discovered refuge, joy, and fulfillment by taking refuge under God’s wing that she would not have discovered had she stayed home with her parents.

That was the most comfortable thing she could have done, the option that would have given her the most security (in the worldly sense).

But she stepped in faith and went with Naomi to an unknown land. She went out of her comfort zone and found security in Jesus. 

What are the areas of life that you need to trust God and take refuge under His wings?