This sermon is recorded via audio only due to technical issues experienced with our live video. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

MAIN IDEA
When we go through change or transition in life, we often feel uncertain about what the future holds. How can we continue to rest in God’s grace during these times? 

Ruth’s testimony gives usthree actions we can continuously practice and observe during times of change:

ACKNOWLEDGE OUR PRIORITIES
Ruth was married to Naomi and Elimelek’s son, becoming part of their family. Sadly, famine claimed the lives of Naomi’s husband and both her sons, leaving Ruth and her sister-in-law Orpah widowed. While Orpah chose to return to her homeland, Ruth remained committed to the family she had married into and, more importantly, to God. Her loyalty never wavered, and she was not swayed by temporary earthly blessings. What is here on earth is always temporary, but what is in heaven is eternal. If we are to navigate seasons of change, we must first acknowledge and set the right priorities.

ACT WITH PERSEVERANCE
Ruth continued to work diligently in the fields. Boaz sent his men to assist her as she gleaned barley, providing support as she labored. To make it through seasons of change, we too must persevere but we are not left to persevere alone. The gospel is the foundation and support of our sanctification, holding us up as we run the race of faith. In times of transition, we are called to persevere in living out the Great Commandment(Love God, Love Others) and the Great Commission(Be Disciples, Make Disciples). We can only persevere through dependence on the Holy Spirit, who indwells us through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

APPRECIATE GOD’S PLAN
Ruth gleaned a large quantity of barley, enough to feed both herself and Naomi. When Ruth revealed whose field she had been working in, Naomi expressed great appreciation to Boaz and explained that he was one of their guardian-redeemers. Boaz continued to watch over Ruth, ensuring she was protected and provided for. Although Naomi desired Ruth to take Boaz as her guardian-redeemer, Boaz insisted on following the proper customs according to Mosaic law. Appreciating God’s plan means doing what is right in God’s sight, trusting that He is in control even when we can’t fully see the outcome.

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What changes should we make in our Christian life as we re-prioritize what is important, so that we may persevere in the faith in this time of transition and change?