Doing What Is Right…

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his purpose that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 

 Everything worthwhile will require work and sacrifice. That reminds me of a quote from the missionary, Jim Elliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  

 This quote summarizes the story of Ruth. She was willing to sacrifice everything she knew, everything that was normal, to do what she knew in her heart was right. 

 Naomi essentially freed Ruth to leave and go back to her family, friends, false gods, and the old way of life. That was her opportunity to move backward, to move away from the Lord. Ruth’s sister-in-law took the bait, and who knows what the rest of her life looked like. 

 But Ruth made a different decision. And because of that, her legacy was so great that it is recorded in the most popular Book in human history. Ruth walked by faith and did the right thing even though it cost her greatly. Refusing to go back to her family was a great sacrifice for Ruth, but she knew it was right to journey with Naomi.  

 As a result, God blessed this beautiful, selfless act in a supernatural way. God blessed Ruth with a husband, Boaz. But this was not just any normal marriage. Ruth was a servant who married her master. This was not how things typically played out. But God blessed Ruth as a result of her faithfulness. 

 Ephesians 3:20 tells us about the power the Lord has: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his purpose that is at work within us.” 

 Because Ruth was willing to sacrifice and give up on what used to be, God blessed her with something (and someone) even greater. Doing what is right often requires great sacrifice. But if you are obedient to God, that sacrifice will be rewarded immeasurably more.   

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bible verse

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

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