Ruth 1

"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."

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. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Ruth 1:15-17

Last night I started to study the book of Ruth. The first chapter depicts great reality. As I read I could understand Naomi's grief and hopelessness, but could also comprehend Ruth's faithfulness and love. I found myself translating their emotions and thoughts to occasions and situations in my life.

Then the section that blew me away was Ruth's answer to her mother-in-law. How faithful she was, how committed, how steadfast and certain. As I start to think about married life, and the vows that I will say which are remarkably similar to that which Ruth said to Naomi I am challenged by her dedication.

What might be the translation of this principle to your life and mine? Where do we need to be more committed, at work, at home, to children, to wives and husbands, to God??

I am challenged and encouraged. Challenged to be more faithful and committed. Encouraged because I know our God is faithful and committed!