Ruth 1:16 (NLT) “But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

The story of Ruth has so many layers to it, each one boasting of the goodness and faithfulness of God towards any heart that is turned to Him. Ruth was a Moabite woman. Her nation came from the linage of Lot’s descendants (Genesis 19:30-37). They were known for wanting to bring cursing and harm to the nation of Israel (Numbers 22-24). When their plan to curse God’s people through a prophet failed, the Moabite king sent women to seduce the Israelite men and introduce them to their own god (Numbers 25:1-5). This way they caused Israel to sin and bring a curse upon herself. Hundreds of years later, Ruth is introduced to an immigrant, Israelite family, from the town of Bethlehem. They had relocated to Moab because of a great famine in their own homeland. Ruth married into that family, but sadly, her father-in-law died. After a period of time, both of the sons died too - leaving Ruth, her sister-in-law, and Naomi, her mother-in-law, alone and without support or protection. After receiving news that the famine in Israel had ended, Naomi made a decision to pack up home and return to Bethlehem. She tried to convince both her daughters-in-law to return to their own families, since she could offer no hope for their futures. However, Ruth refused to turn back. Why would a Moabite widow insist on leaving her homeland to follow her mother-in-law back to Israel? They would have no man to protect them, provide for them, or hold their land. Their choices to earn a living ranged from begging and servitude to prostitution. Yet, Ruth would not leave Naomi. Ruth decided to leave what was familiar and commit herself to Yahweh, the God of Israel. Even though Naomi was bitter and believed God had turned his back on her (Ruth 1:13, 20-21), Ruth’s devotion and loyalty towards her never wavered. Her story is remarkable. In spite of Ruth being a pagan woman from an adulterous people, the Lord honored her loyal heart and caused her to be a part of the lineage of King David, and ultimately the lineage of His Own Son, Jesus. Our heart’s choice in the face of hardship will certainly shape our future too. When hard times come, will you turn back, or like Ruth, remain faithful and place your unwavering trust in God?