Trusting God's Plan: Lessons from Ruth's Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate and reflect on the many blessings and activities happening within our church community. We welcomed back our students from camp and shared updates on our new plurality of elders, who have already begun their work in prayer and leadership. We also highlighted upcoming events, including a baby shower, a college ministry meeting, and our new Wednesday night gatherings at Gorin Park. Additionally, we announced a local day camp for our third to fifth graders, led by Evie Stump, as an alternative to CentraKid.
Our focus then shifted to the story of Ruth, a powerful narrative of faith, obedience, and God's unwavering provision. We began by examining the context of Ruth 1, where a famine in Bethlehem led Elimelech to move his family to Moab, a decision that ultimately resulted in tragedy. Elimelech's name means "My God is King," yet he left the Promised Land in search of sustenance, only to find death. This story serves as a poignant reminder that God's plan is always better than our own, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive.
We explored the themes of obedience and trust in God's provision, contrasting Elimelech's decision to leave with Ruth's steadfast commitment to Naomi and to God. Ruth's declaration, "Where you go, I will go; your God will be my God," exemplifies true discipleship and unwavering faith. Despite Naomi's bitterness and feelings of abandonment by God, Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness shine through, demonstrating that God's blessings often come through unexpected and challenging circumstances.
As we continue to study the book of Ruth, we are reminded that God's provision and blessings are always present, even when we cannot see them. Our call is to remain obedient and aligned with God's will, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Plan Over Our Own: Elimelech's decision to leave Bethlehem for Moab, despite his name meaning "My God is King," highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan over our own logic and desires. God's provision is always better, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive. [49:00]
2. Obedience and Trust: Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi and to God, despite the hardships she faced, exemplifies true discipleship. Her declaration, "Where you go, I will go; your God will be my God," serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision. [01:11:31]
3. God's Blessings in Unexpected Circumstances: Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing demonstrates that God's provision often comes through unexpected and challenging circumstances. Even when we feel abandoned or bitter, God is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. [01:13:20]
4. Aligning with God's Will: The story of Ruth encourages us to align ourselves with God's will, trusting that He is working all things for our good. Whether we are in times of consolation or desolation, our call is to remain obedient and faithful, knowing that God's plan is always better. [01:18:54]
5. God's Sovereignty and Compassion: Despite Naomi's feelings of abandonment, God's sovereignty and compassion are evident throughout the story. He is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it. This reminds us to trust in His timing and provision, knowing that He is faithful and just. [01:06:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:34] - College Ministry Meeting
[09:42] - Wednesday Night Gatherings at Gorin Park
[10:52] - Introduction of Karen Maxwell
[25:25] - Reflections on VBS and NextGen Ministry
[32:04] - Baptism of Jonas
[33:25] - Prayer for Jonas and NextGen Ministry
[34:16] - Kids Dismissal and Introduction to Ruth
[35:02] - Visual Aid with Hannah
[35:42] - Abiding in the Lord
[36:12] - Times of Consolation and Desolation
[37:14] - The Nation's Disobedience
[38:16] - Elimelech's Decision to Leave Bethlehem
[39:19] - God's Promise to Israel
[40:31] - The Time of Judges
[42:03] - Elimelech's Journey to Moab
[44:07] - The Names and Their Meanings
[45:06] - Moab's History with Israel
[48:25] - Elimelech's Death and Its Implications
[49:00] - Trusting in God's Plan
[50:00] - Naomi's Sons Marry Moabite Women
[51:05] - Generational Sin and Its Impact
[53:42] - The Way That Seems Right to a Man
[54:56] - Isaiah's Reminder to Israel
[56:01] - Waiting on the Lord
[57:56] - God's Graciousness and Sovereignty
[59:01] - Naomi's Decision to Return to Bethlehem
[01:01:15] - Naomi's Bitterness and Ruth's Loyalty
[01:04:14] - Naomi's Accusation Against God
[01:06:34] - God's Mercy and Compassion
[01:07:35] - Following the Lord Despite Opposition
[01:09:41] - Raising Up True Disciples
[01:11:31] - Ruth's Commitment to Naomi and God
[01:13:20] - Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
[01:14:10] - The End of Ourselves and the Beginning of God
[01:16:00] - Aligning with God's Will
[01:17:10] - The Good News of Jesus Christ
[01:18:54] - Resting in Obedience
[01:19:53] - Responding to God's Call
[01:20:31] - God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
[01:21:30] - Making Good on God's Call
[01:22:19] - Prayer and Response
[01:31:17] - Worship: Our God is an Awesome God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ruth 1:1-22
- Proverbs 14:12
- Isaiah 30:15-18
#### Observation Questions
1. What prompted Elimelech to leave Bethlehem and move to Moab? ([38:16])
2. How did Ruth demonstrate her commitment to Naomi and to God? ([01:11:31])
3. What was Naomi's reaction upon returning to Bethlehem, and how did she describe her situation? ([01:13:20])
4. What does the name "Elimelech" mean, and how is it significant to his actions in the story? ([43:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Elimelech's decision to leave Bethlehem reflect a lack of trust in God's provision? ([49:00])
2. In what ways does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her declaration of faith serve as an example of true discipleship? ([01:11:31])
3. How does Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing illustrate the theme of God's provision in unexpected circumstances? ([01:13:20])
4. What does Isaiah 30:15-18 teach us about waiting on the Lord and trusting in His plan? How does this relate to the story of Ruth and Naomi? ([56:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did you discern whether to follow your own logic or trust in God's plan? ([49:00])
2. Ruth's commitment to Naomi was unwavering despite the hardships. Is there someone in your life to whom you need to show similar loyalty and faithfulness? ([01:11:31])
3. Naomi felt abandoned by God and became bitter. Have you ever felt similarly? How did you find your way back to trusting in God's provision? ([01:13:20])
4. Elimelech's name means "My God is King," yet he acted contrary to this belief. Are there areas in your life where your actions do not align with your professed faith? ([43:08])
5. Isaiah 30:15-18 emphasizes the importance of returning to and resting in the Lord. What practical steps can you take this week to align yourself more closely with God's will? ([56:01])
6. Naomi's story shows that God's blessings can come through unexpected and challenging circumstances. Can you identify a challenging situation in your life where you later saw God's hand at work? ([01:13:20])
7. Ruth's declaration, "Where you go, I will go; your God will be my God," is a powerful statement of faith. How can you make a similar declaration in your daily walk with God? ([01:11:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Plan Over Our Own
Elimelech's decision to leave Bethlehem for Moab, despite his name meaning "My God is King," serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's plan over our own logic and desires. Elimelech sought sustenance in Moab during a famine, but his decision led to tragedy and death. This story illustrates that God's provision is always better, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive. We are often tempted to rely on our own understanding and make decisions based on immediate circumstances, but God's wisdom surpasses our own. Trusting in His plan requires faith and patience, especially when His ways seem mysterious or challenging.
In our own lives, we may face situations where God's plan seems unclear or even contrary to our desires. It is in these moments that we must remember Elimelech's story and choose to trust in God's sovereignty. His plans are always for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see the full picture. By surrendering our will to His, we open ourselves to His divine provision and guidance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision where you relied on your own understanding. How can you begin to trust God's plan in that situation today? [49:00]
Day 2: Obedience and Trust in God's Provision
Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi and to God, despite the hardships she faced, exemplifies true discipleship. Her declaration, "Where you go, I will go; your God will be my God," serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision. Ruth chose to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel, even though it meant leaving her homeland and facing an uncertain future. Her faithfulness and loyalty shine through, demonstrating that true discipleship involves trusting God completely, even in the face of adversity.
Ruth's story encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when circumstances are challenging. Her obedience to God's call and her trust in His provision led to blessings that she could not have foreseen. As we navigate our own journeys, we are called to follow Ruth's example by placing our trust in God and remaining obedient to His will, knowing that He is always working for our good.
Ruth 1:16-17 (ESV): "But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where 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. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to be more obedient and trusting? How can you take a step of faith in that area today? [01:11:31]
Day 3: God's Blessings in Unexpected Circumstances
Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing demonstrates that God's provision often comes through unexpected and challenging circumstances. Despite her feelings of abandonment and bitterness, God's blessings were at work in her life through Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness. Naomi's story reminds us that even when we feel abandoned or bitter, God is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. His blessings often come in ways we do not expect, and through people and situations that we might overlook.
In our own lives, we may encounter seasons of hardship and bitterness, but Naomi's story encourages us to remain hopeful and trust in God's provision. He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. By keeping our hearts open to His blessings and remaining faithful, we can experience His goodness in unexpected ways.
Romans 8:28 (ESV): "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you open your heart to see God's blessings in this circumstance? [01:13:20]
Day 4: Aligning with God's Will
The story of Ruth encourages us to align ourselves with God's will, trusting that He is working all things for our good. Whether we are in times of consolation or desolation, our call is to remain obedient and faithful, knowing that God's plan is always better. Ruth's commitment to Naomi and to God, despite the uncertainties, exemplifies the importance of aligning our lives with God's will. Her story teaches us that true fulfillment and purpose come from following God's plan, even when it requires sacrifice and trust.
As we seek to align our lives with God's will, we must be willing to surrender our own desires and plans. This involves daily prayer, seeking His guidance, and being open to His leading. By doing so, we can experience the peace and joy that come from living in harmony with His divine purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God's will? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits? [01:18:54]
Day 5: God's Sovereignty and Compassion
Despite Naomi's feelings of abandonment, God's sovereignty and compassion are evident throughout the story of Ruth. He is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it. This reminds us to trust in His timing and provision, knowing that He is faithful and just. Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing highlights God's compassionate nature and His ability to bring good out of difficult circumstances. Her story encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we feel lost or abandoned.
In our own lives, we may experience seasons of doubt and despair, but Naomi's story reassures us that God is always in control. His compassion and faithfulness are unwavering, and He is always working for our good. By trusting in His sovereignty, we can find hope and strength in the midst of our trials.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt abandoned or lost. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and compassion in that situation today? [01:06:34]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When Jonas goes under that water, it's signifying again that he's identifying with Jesus' burial. And then as he comes out, the resurrection, that's where his hope is at. And I just invite you when he comes out to just joyfully celebrate with him." [32:04] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus would say to those that are part of family. He'd say, you're a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus would say that the call from John. John 15 is to abide. To remain. But it's an active thing. Because God is on the move. God is going before us. And so, the call for the follower of Jesus is to abide. To remain in step with the Lord." [35:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Whoever would save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. This idea of following. He is trying to instead of staying with the Lord and what God would have and God what would you have. He goes and tries to do it his own way. Ultimately loses his life." [48:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Billy Graham said, when we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God. I think right now that Naomi's kind of at the end of herself. She's like, I went away full. It's like, really? Didn't seem like you went away in the Lord. How were you full when you weren't keeping in step with the Lord?" [01:14:10] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are aligning with a God who loved us so much that he would send his son from heaven to earth to take on flesh, to live a perfect life, and to die for us, that it would be that exchange, that his perfect life for our sinful, broken one." [01:16:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's death in the land because of the famine. There's death in the family. There's death to these dreams. Naomi's in a tough spot, and it leads her to a spot of bitterness. We'll see that later. Proverbs would say it like this. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, that way leads to death." [53:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How many times have you seen this, that instead of waiting on the Lord, walking in step, we say, you know what? I'm tired. And how many times, I'm doing a lot of college ministry, how many times you've seen a godly gal just pursuing the Lord, content, content, but at some point it's like, I'm tired of waiting." [56:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Ravi Zacharias said it like this, he said, sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to go. I read that quote knowing how that man's ministry ended. I think he knows the reality of what he quoted there." [01:00:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The one thing you must have to follow Jesus is nothing. Nothing that you're picking up. Nothing that's weighing you down. It's like, okay, I'll follow you, Jesus, but first, let me, you know, I want to make sure I'm financially secure, or I want to make sure I've got this. It's like, the one thing you need to follow Jesus is nothing." [01:10:34] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think the application that is clear is that we would align, that we would align ourselves with the Lord, and here's, as Jonas was testifying, here's who you're aligning to. We are aligning with a God who loved us so much that he would send his son from heaven to earth to take on flesh, to live a perfect life, and to die for us." [01:16:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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