Suffering that produces Humility and Faith
Ruth 1:3–18 3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.”So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!” 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said:
“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.
The life of Ruth presents a powerful example of two qualities that every believer is called to cultivate: true humility and steadfast faith. Humility is not simply being lowly in spirit, but willingly allowing God to humble us while continuing to trust Him. Many people follow the Lord until hardship, disappointment, or suffering comes. When their faith is tested, they lose sight of God and turn away. Ruth's life demonstrates a different response.
Both Ruth and Naomi found themselves in desperate circumstances. As widows, they faced poverty, uncertainty, and complete dependence on God's provision. Rather than remaining in despair or becoming bitter, Ruth chose to walk the path of obedience. She humbled herself by gleaning in the fields to provide for Naomi and later submitted to Naomi's counsel in approaching Boaz, trusting God even when the circumstances were deeply humbling.
Throughout these trials, Ruth saw beyond her suffering and chose the God of Israel above her homeland, culture, and former way of life. Unlike Orpah, who returned to what was familiar, Ruth remained faithful to the Lord. Her declaration, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God," reflects a wholehearted commitment to God's kingdom rather than to personal comfort or security.
We are reminded that God often accomplishes His greatest purposes through seasons of weakness and suffering. Ruth could not see the full picture, yet God was working behind the scenes. Her seemingly ordinary acts of faithfulness became part of His greater plan, leading to her marriage to Boaz and ultimately placing her in the lineage of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ. God's grace is often displayed most clearly, not in prosperity, but in the perseverance of believers who continue trusting Him through trials.
The message also warns against allowing hardship to produce bitterness, self-pity, or blame. When believers lose sight of God, relationships suffer, churches become divided, and selfishness replaces humble obedience. Instead, Christians are called to maintain a repentant, teachable spirit, accepting God's correction and allowing Him to shape their character.
As in the example of Jonah, the sermon contrasts reluctant obedience with Ruth's willing submission. While Jonah struggled against God's will, Ruth embraced God's leading despite the personal cost. Her life teaches that true discipleship requires surrendering our old identity and worldly thinking in order to live as citizens of God's kingdom.
In conclusion every believer, family, and church was challenged: What spirit governs our lives? Are we influencing others with humility, faith, and obedience, or with pride, self-interest, and worldly values? Like Ruth, we are called to trust God even when we do not understand His ways, believing that He is faithfully accomplishing His purposes through every trial. As we accept His correction and remain faithful, He continues to prepare us for the work and calling He has ordained for our lives.
