“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’” — Ruth 1:16
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Downhill skiing is one of the most dangerous events during the Winter Olympics. Lindsey Vonn could enjoy a much easier life if she chose to participate in some other activities. During her long and spectacular career, she’s thrived going down slopes at 80 mph in spite of major injuries and long periods of recovery. She’s sustained nine major injuries and five surgeries.
Besides knee injuries, a broken ankle and a serious arm injury, she’s also dealt with depression for many years. Plus, she struggled when she retired, only to return to action again and experience another injury. She’s written a book about her life and inspires many people to be patient and overcome obstacles.
The Book of Ruth is a great place to start for a look into a Biblical account of handling challenges. Ruth was a person who took a long view of happiness and didn’t expect her earthly life to go exactly the way she wanted it to. She looked to God for direction and trusted the Lord when she couldn’t see anything good happening. Orpah, Ruth’s sister-in-law, went back to her people in Moab and followed their false gods after disaster struck their family and left them all widows. Ruth, instead, chose to stay and help Naomi, her mother-in-law, despite facing potential loneliness and rejection in the midst of moving to a foreign land, not knowing if she’d ever receive any benefits for doing so.
The testimony of this young woman declares many incredible truths. Even though most people wouldn’t fault Ruth for looking out for herself, she lived unselfishly in a selfish world. She stood steadfast beside Naomi (Ruth 1:16, above). Eventually, God rewarded the sacrifice of Ruth, but she followed God’s leading while not knowing if her life may become more difficult.
In spite of Naomi — who was bitter and angry about being a widow — Ruth counted her blessings. She was thankful for the ability to go out into the field and gather grain as a beggar according to the provision described in Leviticus. The corners of fields were left unpicked for the needy. Even though Ruth didn’t know if she’d ever have a husband again as a young widow in a strange land, she did her best and kept a positive outlook. During her daily labors, it probably looked like unbelievers prospered more than her, but God had prepared a better future for her with Boaz, establishing her in the family tree of not only the great King David but eventually Jesus. She kept faithfully working while waiting to see what God had written for her story. Her life story turned out better than a movie because she trusted God when she didn’t understand what was happening.
Throughout the Scriptures, we’re urged to think more about eternity than temporary earthly pleasure. Jesus didn’t promise any of His disciples earthly wealth when we follow Him (Luke 9:23). When we actually believe in Christ, we learn to put aside personal agendas, help others and walk with Christ even if nobody else will join us. Our stories may not look like we’d hoped (often they don’t), but our faith can anchor us and keep us focused on what really matters, no matter what comes our way.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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