But Ruth said, “Don’t beg me to leave you or to stop following you. Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

Ruth 1:16 (NCV)

The Book of Ruth tells a beautiful story of love and loyalty. Ruth, a Moabite, had been married to one of Naomi’s sons, but he died, leaving Ruth and Naomi alone. Naomi was also a widow, so with no source of income, they were destitute. Although Ruth was young and could have remarried, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law. She was drawn to Naomi’s faith, because she saw God’s heart in her, and she wanted to know Naomi’s God. Eventually, God led Ruth to a good man named Boaz, whom she married, and she gave birth to a baby boy who became King David’s grandfather and a descendant of Jesus Christ. 

Most days, we live our lives as if what we do has little effect on other people. But in the decisions we make, both big and small, our faithfulness to God is evident to others. Like it did with Ruth, it can lead people to know God when they see Him in us. Our daily decisions influence not only those around us in the present, but they can positively impact generations to come. Because of what Ruth saw in Naomi, she stayed, and Naomi’s God became Ruth’s God. They had no idea that their faithfulness and obedience would ultimately lead to the birth of their long-awaited Messiah. 

Even through life-altering circumstances, God is faithful to guide you to fulfill His purpose for your life. When He is the center of your world, He will weave your story together with His grace and turn your hardships into victory. He will take every step of obedience and launch you into the life He created you to live, even though you won’t see the fruit of your influence many generations later. Kindness and compassion impact countless lives; so do negativity, anger, and bitterness. Not only today, but for generations to come. So choose wisely! You are influencing eternity! You are loved!