True story: A woman marries a foreigner in her home country and he dies, leaving her childless and penniless. The economic situation in her country is terrible, so she accompanies her husband's mother to her foreign homeland, a place where people are prejudiced against her ethnic group.
She has to face prejudice, widowhood, different customs, and separation from her family and childhood friends.
Then, she finds that she must work at the lowest level of society to get enough food for herself and her mother-in-law.
Sometimes we need to remember that Ruth was a person like you and me, with feelings and fears. What set her apart? What made her able to bear these difficulties without giving in to fear?
It was the power, peace, and purpose she found because of her faith in God.
Are you struggling? Do you feel like everything is against you? Are you being forced to do hard and humbling things? Have you suffered separation from loved ones? Has this last year been one disappointment after another?
Like Ruth you need God's power, peace, and purposes:
God's Power: Philippians 4:13 and Ephesians 6:10.
God's Peace: John 14:27 and John 16:33.
God's Purposes: Romans 8:28.
I encourage you to memorize each of these short, powerful, peace-giving, purposeful verses and repeat them whenever you feel overwhelmed. (See full verses below.)
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Ruth’s story in Ruth 1-4 is a rich example for modern Christians. Ruth Beat the Odds, Overcame Ethnic Prejudice, Respected Bitter Naomi, and Humbled Herself.
Powerful, peace-giving, purposeful verses that are easy to memorize
Be sure to read the context of these first two verses:
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Ephesians 6:10: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
When you memorize these next two, remember that these are the words of Jesus for you:
John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
And this last verse is well-known for the biblical perspective it gives to all types of hardships in our lives. Nothing is wasted if we give it to the Lord and let Him use it for our good:
Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Nice blogpost. Good for me to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I needed that.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it was helpful, Sandy.
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