As I’m reading through the story of Ruth, I see this courageous woman who stays true to her faith regardless of what the future might hold.

I’m reminded of Jesus in the final hours before his death.

Knowing the journey ahead, He was still willing to say to the Father, “Not my will but Thine be done.”

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:42-44

Here’s the thing. Being courageous doesn’t mean that we won’t get hurt. In fact, if we’re stepping out in faith there’s a good chance we’ll be facing a trial. Ruth knew that her future was uncertain and daunting, and still she chose to follow Naomi’s command.

She was stripped of everything. Her home, her people, her reputation, and finally her pride when she humbly knelt at the feet of her kinsman redeemer.

We know how Ruth’s story turned out, and the faithful steps that brought her and Boaz together. But here’s the thing–all she could see was one faithful step at a time. So it is with our own lives when the future’s uncertain. When we’re feeling down, when we’re insecure, or when we’re feeling alone, all that we’re given is one faithful step at a time.

If you’re fearful start praying, and if you’re still fearful pray more. See how that verse above says, “And being in anguish he [Jesus] prayed more earnestly.” He knew that His strength came from the Father and so He held onto that strength.

What gives a person that kind of faith in a midst of a trial? What strength do we have when our faith is tested and tried?

The peace of God that keeps us, that protects us, that gives us a sense of peace when our world’s gone insane is in knowing that this earth’s not our home. We’re just passing through.

This story wasn’t really about Ruth or Naomi or Boaz. It was about the coming Messiah, they just pointed the way.

And so it is with our own story. It’s not about you, and it’s not about me. We’re pointing the way to our Lord.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:3, NIV

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht