What steps can you take to strengthen your faith during personal hardships? Finding Strength in Ruth 1:3 “and Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons.” Hardship landed hard on Naomi. Her husband’s death uprooted every sense of security, yet God would still write a story of redemption. From this single verse—and the chapters that follow—flow clear, practical steps to shore up faith when life hurts. Loss Is Real, But Not the End • Scripture never downplays pain. • God records Naomi’s grief so we can see He meets us in ours. • Faith grows when we let the Bible name our reality and still trust the Author of the next scene. Step 1: Acknowledge the Pain in God’s Presence • Pour out your heart honestly, as Naomi did later (Ruth 1:20–21). • “Trust in Him at all times… pour out your hearts before Him.” Psalm 62:8 • Lament is not unbelief; it is worship that refuses to fake a smile. Step 2: Remember Who God Has Been • Naomi’s story eventually circles back to God’s faithful provision. • “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant…” Deuteronomy 7:9 • Create a gratitude list of past rescues—faith feeds on memory. Step 3: Stay Linked to God’s People • Ruth’s loyalty kept Naomi from isolating. • “Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:24-25 • Share burdens in fellowship; borrowed faith often carries us until our own steadies. Step 4: Keep Walking in Daily Obedience • Naomi chose to return to Bethlehem, step by step (Ruth 1:6-7). • “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 • Maintain simple disciplines—prayer, Scripture reading, gathered worship—even when feelings lag. Step 5: Speak and Stand on God’s Promises • Feelings shift; God’s Word stands. • “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you.” Isaiah 41:10 • “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” Romans 8:28 • Write key promises where you see them often; recite them aloud when doubt presses in. Step 6: Serve in the Midst of Sorrow • Naomi mentored Ruth despite her own grief (Ruth 2-3). • God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 • Helping others shifts focus from what’s missing to what God is still doing. Holding On Until God Unfolds the Next Chapter Naomi could not see Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, on the day Elimelech died. Yet every obedient step drew her closer to God’s surprising restoration. Follow these same steps, and faith will grow roots deep enough to weather any storm—until the Redeemer’s purposes break through in your story, too. |
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