Congratulations! You did it! You saw it through to the end, and you finished strong!

Don’t you just love a happy ending? The story of Ruth brings a sweet sigh at the end with all the loose ends tied together perfectly. Kind of like a Hallmark movie, isn’t it? Let’s back up a little and connect the dots since last week’s lesson.

The end of chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 finds Ruth at a standstill. She had been obedient to her mother-in-law’s instructions, and now all she could do is wait.

Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” Ruth 3:18 NIV

Have you ever been there? This state of limbo is a familiar place for all of us! You know you have done all that God has called you to do, and now you are just waiting. Perhaps you are wondering what direction He wants you to take. What is your calling? When are things going to change? When are your prayers going to be answered? When is God going to move in your situation?

During this time of waiting, we are then introduced to Ruth’s fifth habit of perseverance: “She Moves Forward in Faith.”

Moving forward in faith is not always a time for taking action. Often, moving forward in faith involves waiting and continuing to be obedient in the daily routine, the mundane, the little things. While we are waiting on God, we have plenty to do, and it all involves being faithful.

As moms, it takes faith and faithfulness to continue taking care of your children, helping with homework, managing the carpool, cooking meals, tackling the laundry monster, cleaning house, nurturing your relationship with your husband, being excellent on the job, serving in church, and so much more.

It is tempting to feel that we are missing out of something while we are waiting; however, if there is one thing we can learn from Ruth, it is that God was in the process all along of working out all the details in her situation, and He is doing the same for you. God is faithful and will not forget you or abandon you. Trust Him and continue following Him in the routine of your life, and you can be sure that He will fulfill His purpose for you in due time.

As we progress through chapter 4, we see that moving forward in faith not only includes remaining faithful while waiting, but it also involves taking action when the time is right. When all the details were in place, it was time for Boaz and Ruth to marry. It is finally time to consummate the love story God had been writing all along for Ruth, Noami, and Boaz.

Here is where the sweet “sigh” comes in! God has turned everything around full circle – the famine, the traveling, the losses, the grief, the lack, the hard work, the faithfulness, the obedience, and the waiting – and now God brings the ultimate happy ending. He restores everything that has been lost and brings fresh joy and restoration to a couple of ladies who had walked through a terrible and bitter valley.

This precious little life that God brought to Ruth, Boaz, and even to Naomi, was the launching of a new era of blessing and provision for them and for the nation of Israel. His name was Obed, the father of Jesse, and the father of King David. Better yet, this put Ruth, the Moabite, in direct line for the coming of the Messiah! Doesn’t that make you just want to shout “Hallelujah?”

What is our take away from this wonderful story? When God leads you into a new season or gives you a new task, walk forward in faith. When you are in a time of waiting, continue pursuing God and remaining faithful to the ordinary responsibilities He has given you. Persevere, in the name of Jesus. You can trust God to write your life story to perfection, as He did for Ruth. He will finish the work He began in You and will not stop until it is complete. You can count on it!

“Yes, moving forward in faith is trusting that eventually we will see the fulfillment of God’s promises for us if we do not give up.” ~Nicki Koziarz

We now have five new habits from this study:
• She accepts her assignment of refinement.
• She follows through despite how she feels.
• She stays open to the movement of God.
• She gives others what she needs.
• She moves forward in faith.

Our final Quit Quitting verse sums this all up perfectly:

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 The Message

It has been such a pleasure doing this study with you all! I can hardly wait until we discuss what we have learned in our small groups this week!

Week 6 Discussion Questions:

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Chronicles 7:20 NIV

QUESTION 1 (Q1): Where is God asking you to sit still in your life right now? While you are waiting, how is God showing you to remain in Him and to dwell in His presence more? (p. 141)

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12 HCSB

QUESTION 2 (Q2): Boaz has taught us what it’s like to look at a seemingly impossible situation and move forward in faith. What are some areas you feel unlikely or impossible for God to use? Complete this sentence: I wish I had enough faith to… (p. 146)

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 NLT

QUESTION 3 (Q3): Describe a time you felt unseen. What are some things people do to make us feel unseen? Ponder your answer and consider what we can do to make others feel seen, understood, and valued. (p. 148)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 HCSB

QUESTION 4 (Q4): Nicki says, “Yes, moving forward in faith is trusting that eventually we will see the fulfillment of God’s promises for us if we do not give up.” What are some promises you feel like God has given you for your life? (p. 153)

QUESTION 5 (Q5): How are you going to keep moving forward in faith? (p. 156)

QUESTION 7 (Q6): Which of the Quit Quitting verses did you identify with most this week?

Assignment for this week:

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our holiday studies! This is going to be awesome!

Give Thanks, beginning November 7 (Tomorrow!)

This is a two-week SOAP study focusing on what the Bible says about giving thanks. We will have brief, daily journal assignments and activities to help focus our hearts and enrich our Thanksgiving holiday. We will continue to have video teaching, and we will also have new activities in our Facebook group.

There is NOTHING to buy! This study is completely FREE! All you will need is a Bible in your favorite translation and a journal, or simply a spiral notebook. That is all! I will provide all the rest!

Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado, beginning November 21

What is the big deal about this baby in a manger? What does his birth have to do with me? We all have our own answers to this, but we will ponder the beauty of all this season has to offer in a fresh new light through this wonderful Advent study.

Guess what else? This also includes an optional coloring book, and it is gorgeous! How fun!

Come join us!

All the materials and assignments for our Thanksgiving study will be posted by tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait to get started!

Have a blessed week!