Ruth 

I was happily married, had the job of my dreams, and was surrounded by loving family and friends.  Everything was familiar and comfortable.  Life was good.

That is, until my husband and I felt led to move across the country so I could be a stay at home mom.  Before boxes were unpacked, our 5 month old son suffered from a stroke and it seemed my life turned upside down.  Suddenly, it seemed my days were consumed with hospitalizations and nonstop, vigilant care for my son.  Life didn’t seem to be as good to me.  

I imagine the feeling may have been mutual for Ruth. She went from being married and living comfortably among her own people to being a widow, poor, a foreigner and a heathen.  Yikes, talk about life turning upside down!

When faced with such drastic changes, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruth’s response to the circumstances would lead her to becoming self-absorbed as her thoughts were filled with deep sorrow, anger, and well, feeling forsaken.  In fact, she had an easy out when her mother-in-law Naomi blessed her and told her to return to her own people.

But to my surprise and Naomi’s as well, Ruth pleaded to go with her and wholeheartedly followed her.  She was faithful and kind to her mother-in-law.  Ruth worked diligently to support them.  She willingly followed Naomi’s advice.  In the midst of great tragedy, we see how Ruth responded with love and grace.  As a result, she was greatly blessed.  What an amazing example to follow.  

The reality is we all face difficult circumstances in our lives, whether it is a difficult marriage, a child with an illness or a loss of a loved one.  The tempting solution may be to ask, “Why me?” or complain, “Woe is me!” But Ruth’s life demonstrates that we can’t stop living or be filled with bitterness and resentment.  In our walk of faith, it is best to move forward which we can only do with God’s help.  This requires us to “pull ourselves up by the bootstraps” as Pastor Mike Hayes says.  

It’s not easy but in our weakness, God is made strong.  He can use every circumstance for His glory.  God can turn your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy.

What will your response be?  

~Joyce

From the publisher:  Thank you for reading part 1 of Eve's Daughters. - we hope you were encouraged by their stories.  !  If you want to learn more from the women of the Old Testament, subscribe to part 2 of this plan: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/9115-eves-daughters-life-lessons-women-scripture-part-2