The Courage of Ruth! A woman of courage and character is one who has unbreakable faith.
There are many women of courage in the Bible, but I want to talk about Ruth today. Ruth's character calls my attention a lot because her courage, determination, and kindness are qualities I find so willing to be imitated that I enjoy going through the Bible to study this book and now share it with you.
What is Courage? Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Bible Verse:
But Ruth said, "Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go, and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that's where I'll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us!" (Rut 1:16-17 MSG)
"Courage is NOT the absence of FEAR, but rather the judgment that something else is MORE important than fear." When you decide to do it, even if you are afraid.
Ruth's story depicts women as initiators and active participants who bring this story to life. This is the only narrative in the Hebrew scriptures that does not include physical violence against the woman or a brutal war against the woman.
Rut has several virtues: fidelity, commitment, humility, determination, and above all, the courage to take the initiative not to stay in a place where someone she loved had died. She was courageous in taking risks and finding strategies to overcome the restrictions of a patriarchal society. While she and Naomi are participants in this story as one of the main characters, at no time do they take the authority and stewardship of men in power like Boaz.
In four chapters, the Book of Ruth shows remarkable qualities of Ruth's character as a woman, which are worth considering if we long for biblical femininity to be a reality in our lives. Ruth was clothed with strength and honor; she knew where her place was. Even though Ruth was not Jewish, she followed a woman with the qualities of God's character.
Today, I want to encourage you to live courageously, ready to face any challenges that come your way. Ruth could've just stayed in Moab and re-married there; that was the easy and normal thing to do. But she was courageous and bold enough to do the right thing instead. She stayed with her mother-in-law to care for her, showing her loyalty, love, commitment, and selflessness.
Prayer:
Father, I am praying for strength and courage. Your promise is that you are always here with me, and I should not fear anything, even if I walk through the shadows of the valley of the dead. Grant me the peace to stop worrying and courageously live how you want me to. Please help me be a selfless person who is centered on fulfilling your purpose through me and not centered on myself and building a selfish empire. Today, I decided to be Courageous, to keep pressing forward, ignoring all other voices around me, focusing on your voice, and trusting you. In Jesus name!
-Amen
By: Vilmary Gonzalez
Emunah Woman
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