The faith of Ruth shows that anyone can come to faith.

1. A Believing Decision

We often hear jokes about mothers-in-laws but this was a daughter-in-law who dearly loved her mother-in-law. It was faithfulness unto death. (vs. 16-17). Ruth was committed even if the going got tough.

She was born and raised in Moab, but now she identified with God’s people, the Jews. There was an obstacle however to be overcome. See Deuteronomy 23:3. Boaz would bring Ruth into the family of God. Ruth turned her back on the false idols of her “home” religion in Moab and trusted the true God. Ruth overcame all the obstacles by faith!

2. A Bitter Disposition

Naomi’s testimony was one of bitter disposition because she blamed God. She had gone to Moab with a husband and two sons and had come home a childless widow. People who carry bitterness in their hearts for years only make the situation worse and become miserable

3. A Blessed Discipline

When God chastens us He is not simply punishing us for our disobedience. God wants to build us up, help us to develop and train us. We can treat this discipline lightly and lose God’s blessing as Orpah did. Or we rebel against God’s discipline as Naomi did. Instead of admitting her sin and seeing the purpose behind God’s punishment, she blamed God and believed that He was treating her unfairly.

Ruth submitted to the discipline of God. She believed that God had a purpose in her suffering. She was blessed as a result.

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