Walking with the Women of the Bible: Ruth, A Story of Loyalty & Faith
I have been working on a particular series. It’s something close to my heart, and I know it will speak to yours, too. I’ve been reflecting on the women of the Bible—their stories, struggles, and triumphs—and how much we can learn from them today. This series is about more than just recounting their tales; it’s about discovering how our stories are woven into theirs.
The women we’ll meet in the Bible faced many of the same challenges today: fear, uncertainty, loss, and the desire to make sense of it all. Yet, we find strength, wisdom, and hope in their journeys. Today, we begin with a woman whose story has always moved me deeply: the story of Ruth.
Who Is Ruth?
Ruth’s story is one of the most beautiful love stories in the Bible—but it’s not just about romance. It’s about loyalty, faith, and the power of a decision to follow God when the future looks uncertain. Ruth was a Moabite woman, an outsider to Israel. She lost her husband, which meant she also lost her security, her status, and her future—at least in the eyes of the world.
But Ruth didn’t let that define her. She chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, when she could have returned to her people and her former life. In one of the most touching declarations of loyalty, she said, “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
This was more than a commitment to Naomi—it was a step of faith into the unknown, trusting in a God she had only begun to know. Maybe you’ve been there, too, where your world shifted, and all you had left was the choice to trust God’s plan.
Ruth’s Journey: Triumphs and Lessons
Ruth’s triumph didn’t come easily, but she didn’t give up. She humbled herself, gleaning in the fields to survive. Can you imagine her walking through those fields, head down, gathering what little was left behind? Yet, God had something more extraordinary in store in those humble moments. Through her faithfulness, she caught the eye of Boaz, who not only provided for her but also redeemed her.
Her triumph was not just in marrying Boaz but in how God lifted her up and gave her a legacy she couldn’t have imagined. She became the great-grandmother of King David, and through her lineage, Jesus Christ would be born (Matthew 1:5-6). Ruth, a foreigner and an outsider, became part of God’s grand story of redemption.
But Ruth’s story wasn’t without struggle. When she left her home, she had no guarantee of how things would turn out. It reminds me, and maybe you, too, that faith often requires stepping into the unknown. But when we do, God can take even our smallest acts of loyalty and turn them into something greater than we ever dreamed.
What If Ruth Lived in Our Generation?
If Ruth were alive today, I see her as someone who’d be leading with quiet strength, showing us what it means to be loyal to those we love and faithful to God. Maybe she’d be working in a ministry helping widows or advocating for those who feel like outsiders. Her kindness, humility, and willingness to do the hard work wouldn’t change because those qualities transcend time.
In today’s world, we need more Ruths—people willing to stand by their commitments and trust in God’s provision even when they can’t see the whole picture. Her story reminds us that loyalty, faith, and kindness are still as powerful as ever.
What We Can Learn from Ruth
Ruth’s story teaches us so much. We should mirror her unwavering loyalty and trust in God, her willingness to work hard for what she believed in, and her courage to walk into the unknown. Yet, we must be mindful not to let our fear of the unknown paralyze us or underestimate our value, as Ruth may have felt at the beginning of her journey.
God is still writing our stories, just as He wrote Ruth’s. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we trusting Him enough with our future? Are we stepping out in faith, even when we can’t see the outcome?
Does Your Story Mirror Ruth’s?
As we close today, I want to ask you: Do you see any part of Ruth’s story in your life? Have you had to make a leap of faith and was unsure of what the future held? I’d love to hear how her story speaks to you and how you see God working in your journey.
This is just the beginning of my exploration of the remarkable women of the Bible. I can’t wait to dive deeper with you as I continue this series. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll uncover the story of another woman whose faith and resilience changed the course of history.
Key verses to reflect on Ruth’s journey:
Ruth 1:16-17 – Ruth’s heartfelt declaration of loyalty
Ruth 2:11-12 – Boaz’s acknowledgment of Ruth’s faithfulness
Ruth 4:13-17 – Ruth’s redemption and legacy as the great-grandmother of King David
