Redemption for Restoration

The Book of Ruth

We’re at the end of such a monumental year, aren’t we?

It can safely be stated that persons around the world have endured something life-changing at one point or another and whether we’ve lost or gained something or someone, change stood firmly as a major theme of 2020.

But, as we move into 2021, it’s absolutely important for us to see something deeper here; God has STILL been working in tremendous ways.

As we look with a magnifying glass, I turn your attention to the story of Ruth and invite you to zero in on the fact that her story was outfitted initially with feelings of loss, rejection and strife and was transformed into one of love, hope and redemption, making room for opportunities for restoration on a wider scale through her descendants; namely King David, and eventually Jesus Christ.

This story shows just how much the Lord looks out for us and literally trades beauty for ashes as He chooses to journey with us even when we feel unseen and unworthy. Furthermore, as we journey, it is important for us to pursue true growth so that we are in a state to embrace the process and receive the gift of redemption which makes a path for true restoration.

So, how do we prepare to embrace this restorative future?

Find yourself in a place of acknowledgement so you can begin to heal and facilitate forward steps.

It’s so important to be willing to be real with God by admitting exactly how you feel; no need to pretty it up because He already knows what’s there. The admitting of this is for YOU so that you can face where you are and invite Him to take root in your heart to do some deep cleaning. This also helps in allowing for new blessings to unfold. The book of Ruth saw Naomi and Ruth having to accept and acknowledge deep loss, relocate and do their best to embrace changes, which then led to gradual healing and the unfolding of new beginnings with Boaz.

Believe that the Lord does not mean you harm, and His timing is perfect

It’s so important for us to understand God’s heart for us. This grounds us in the midst of turmoil. Ruth’s journey was filled with many testy moments and although she did not have a relationship with God, He still shaped things based on the purpose that was breathed over her life. This overall heart posture literally requires a deepening of our faith and the belief that God wants the very best for us and will move according to His perfect will and timing. It’s the journey towards that beautiful destination that requires us to hold on to the hope and understanding that there is more for us through Jesus Christ.

Get rid of the things that have no place in your life or aren’t aligned with your purpose.

You’ll find that a lot of the time we end up stuck in a place of confusion about where we are and what will be taking place in our lives because we are struggling to let go of a few things that frankly aren’t adding to our lives! In many instances, too, we see where certain things end up being removed from our lives abruptly (as seen in the book of Ruth) and although it was difficult, it made room for something more. The reality is you’ve got to let go in order to receive and have parts of your life so as to benefit from true restoration.

When you look at the entire story with 2020 in mind, I pray that you are encouraged in noting that you have something to look forward to, especially as a believer.

All those challenges that mounted up on your head. All the times it felt like the rug was drawn right from under your feet. All those opportunities that just slipped through your fingers. Believe that God can redeem even in the midst of your hurt, flaws and pain, even in the midst of your doubts, confusion and frustration. He redeems, and doesn’t just leave it there; He journeys with you as you heal and grow and ushers you into your future which is nested in restoration.

As we transition into 2021, remember and believe that the Lord redeems and has carved out a restorative future for you.