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. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1:16-17; NLT)
Are we willing to leave our old life behind to follow Christ? This could be accepting Jesus as your Savior, surrendering to His calling on your life, or stop doing something you know is not pleasing to Him. This is what Ruth did. She left the familiar to follow a new life. A lot of times in our lives, we stay with what is comfortable. We do not trust God to take the next step. We are scared. Naomi knew that there was a possibility that Ruth would not remarry in the land of Israel. Ruth was willing to remain single and not have children to go with Naomi back to Israel. What are we ready to leave behind that old life to follow Jesus?
While Ruth left the known for the unknown, she did not start on her new journey alone. She traveled it with Naomi. It is essential for us when we begin a new season or journey in our life, to surround ourselves with godly people. People who can encourage you and give you advice. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that “ Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success” (NLT). It is essential to find someone who has walked your path or experienced your journey. Seek their advice. Pray that the Lord will put someone into your life who can be a mentor to you. Walking with Christ is not a solitary experience. We all need encouragement and community with others.
Have you felt a prompting to make a change in your life? Is it time to start a new season? Did you have to leave the known for the unknown? I would love to hear how God is working in your life.
Please leave a comment or email me and tell me about it. Hope to hear from you!
