“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”

Do you feel courageous? The Book of Ruth certainly displays the bravery of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, as they face an uncertain future. Their devout faith helps us understand the importance of waiting on what God has promised for us.

Moab was a land of evil, ungodly influence. Naomi and her family were forced to live here due to a famine in their land, Bethlehem. To make things worse, Naomi’s husband and sons died, leaving Naomi with nothing. But then the story turns around.

Ruth, a Moabite and Naomi’s daughter-in-law, saw something unique in Naomi. She saw the beauty, grace, and love of Naomi’s God. Their Lord always helped His people and continually provided for them. So Ruth decides to follow Naomi to her homeland instead of staying in her own.

Naomi faced many risks and gave up everything to help Naomi and serve her God. She no longer wanted her old life because she saw the goodness and joy in this new one.

Do you need to leave your “Moab” as Ruth did? This land could be a relationship, addiction, money, or anything that takes God’s place in your life. Maybe you’re stuck here because you’re making more money, receiving praise, or finally feeling the love you thought you’d never receive.

Ask yourself if there’s an idol in your life jeopardizing your relationship with God. Will you surrender all to Jesus to walk into the new land He wants to give you?

This devotional is from the sermon titled, Courageous Love by Jeff Vines. This message is about how the Book of Ruth reminds us to walk away from our old ways and follow Jesus into our Promised Land.