Ruth: Woman of Strength.

Ruth 1:16

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:

• Ruth had every reason, humanly speaking, to leave her mother-in-law Naomi and her sister Orpah had just done, but she would not do it. Why? It was because of more than mere social and emotional attachment, and it certainly was not for any financial gain. In fact, she faced the possibility of being a social outcast in Israel and of remaining unmarried for life, whereas she could easily fina new husband in Moab.

• But Ruth would not go back to the old gods and old ways of her past. She steadfastly clung to the Lord Jehovah, having been converted to Him in her heart.

Today's Prayer:

Ruth was a virtuous woman (in the Hebrew, a "woman of strength"). She was willing to endure hardship and face an uncertain future in this life for the sake of taking care of her mother-in-law who had shown kindness to her and to be true to her God. May we learn from her good example and not let trying circumstances cause us to cease to follow You, Lord. AMEN.