"The Faithfulness and Sacrifice of Ruth" - Your Weekly Calling

In this week’s episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad explores the powerful example of faithfulness and sacrifice found in the story of Ruth. He begins by reflecting on Ruth 1:16, where Ruth makes a bold and committed declaration: “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.”

Brad takes us back to Ruth’s context—she was a Moabite widow who, despite the immense loss of her husband, chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi, rather than return to her own family, was an act of deep loyalty and love. This simple yet profound act of obedience set her on a path that would not only change her life but also reveal God's power to work through everyday faithfulness.

Brad challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and what everyday obedience looks like for them. For example, as we drive to work or engage with others, we can choose to be faithful and obedient in small, seemingly mundane moments. He breaks down Ruth’s faithfulness into several key areas:

1. Faithfulness in Relationships: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was remarkable. Despite Naomi’s bitterness and her urging for Ruth to return to her family, Ruth chose love and commitment, stepping into the unknown for the sake of those she cared about. Brad shares his own experience of moving to Minnesota, where his family didn’t know anyone but trusted in God’s plan despite the uncertainty. He encourages listeners to consider how they can show faithfulness and love to the people God has placed in their lives, even when it’s difficult.
2. Faithfulness in Small Steps: Ruth didn’t know what her future held, but she took small steps of obedience—working in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself. These seemingly insignificant acts of gleaning grain placed her right where God needed her— in the fields of Boaz, a man of integrity who would later become her redeemer. Brad encourages us to be faithful in our ordinary routines, knowing that even the smallest acts of obedience can position us for God’s greater plan. He asks, “How can you honor God today in your routine—at work, at home, or in school?”
3. God’s Provision: Through Ruth’s faithfulness, God orchestrated a beautiful story of redemption. Ruth went on to become the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Christ. Brad reflects on the fact that God can take brokenness, loss, and the mundane and turn it into something extraordinary. He challenges listeners to consider areas in their own lives where they need to trust in God's provision, believing that God is always working behind the scenes for their good.

Brad wraps up the episode with a call to action for listeners:

• Commitment: Reflect on your relationships. Is there a commitment God is calling you to deepen or a difficult decision you’re facing that requires faithfulness?
• Ordinary Faithfulness: Look for ways to honor God in your small, everyday actions. Trust that He sees your efforts, even when they feel unnoticed.
• Trust in His Timing: Surrender your future to God, trusting that He can use the most ordinary circumstances for His glory. Take one step of obedience in an area where you feel uncertain this week, knowing that God can use even this step to lead you toward His greater purpose.

In closing, Brad leads a prayer, asking God to help us be more faithful, just as Ruth was, in our relationships and in our everyday lives. He reminds us that even when the path ahead is unclear, God is always working for our good and His glory.

If you were encouraged by Ruth’s example of faithfulness, take a moment to reflect on how you can apply these lessons to your own life this week. Don't forget to subscribe and join us next week for more...