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April 23, 2021: Just Like Ruth

“But Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me’” (Ruth 1:16–17, NKJV).

I’ll never forget receiving my first Bible from my mother. Maybe because my aunt’s name was Ruth, I started with this book and fell in love with God and this story.

What kind of relationship spun out of a mother-in-law for her daughters-in-law to know her God? These women saw God through Naomi. As a mother-in-law, she must have been compassionate and gentle, lovingly treating them as God expected.

As Naomi bore the loss of her husband and sons, her faith in God was visible. Where did she find hope and encouragement? Where did she find peace in her storms? Who was her provider? No one but the great Jehovah-Jireh! Naomi’s love for God was apparent in her daily living, acceptance of her situation and the hope she placed in Him.

No wonder Ruth couldn’t and wouldn’t leave. She told Naomi, “Entreat me not to leave you,” and boldly stated, “Your God will be my God!” sealing it with an oath. That’s exactly how I felt as a child when I read the book of Ruth. Like Ruth, I say to God each day, “Entreat me not to leave You!” My hope is in the redeeming, loving, hand-outstretched Savior.

Lord, whenever I step in a direction that is off course, may I always turn back to You. Amen.

Vanessa Waite is the senior accountant of the Treasury Department for the Columbia Union Conference.

Join the Year of the Bible Journey 

To help you dig deeper into God’s Holy Word this year, we’re offering:

  • Every Month—This calendar, themed “Words of Life,” coincides with the devotional book and videos. It features a biblical topic and verse each month, with additional passages for further exploration, study and ideas on how to apply the concepts in your daily life.