The book of Ruth is a story of God's grace in the midst of difficult circumstances. Ruth's story occurred during the time of the judges - a time marked by disobedience, idolatry, and violence. Even in times of crisis and deepest despair, there are those who follow God and through whom God works. No matter how discouraging or antagonistic the world may seem, there are always people who follow God. And He will use anyone who is open to him to achieve His purposes. Ruth was a Moabitess and Boaz was a descendant of Rahab, a former prostitute from Jericho. Nevertheless, their offspring continued the family line through which the Messiah came into our world.

The time setting was a dark time in Israel's history. when people were living to please only themselves not God. (Judges 17:6; 21:25).

When we first meet Ruth she is a destitute widow. We can in the scriptures see a beautiful relationship of loyalty and commitment to God and to each other. Ruth's dedication to her mother-in-law shows her faithfulness not only toward Naomi but to God.

The key verse to Ruth is found in chapter 1:15-16. We can see the dedication of Ruth:
Being in the place where God wants you to be is very important. Ruth began her dedication at the start to accept wherever Naomi's life would lead them.

Naomi had told Ruth, "Be patient, sit still, wait and see." That's hard sometimes. We want everything to move quickly. We want to see ahead. But Ruth was filled with self-control. God honored this. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations." We must learn to quiet our natures, still our hearts, and be patient.

Ruth didn't see the future when she made her decision to go with Naomi. But because she chose well God prospered her.

Although we are moved by Ruth's pledge to follow her mother-in-law, we must remember that when she arrived in Bethlehem she was a stranger away from her home. Loneliness could have overcome her but she found a purpose.

In Chapter 2 of Ruth we see her character revealed. She arrived in Bethlehem with Naomi at the time of the barley harvest. The townspeople were compassionate to Naomi for they recognized how she had suffered in the 10 years of her being away. But soon they had all gone and it was up to Ruth so bring home grain for making barley cakes. As we can see she cared for Naomi, her willingness to work, her submissiveness to Naomi even in asking to for permission to go and glean. Gleaning was something that the poor people were allowed to do after the fields were harvested. When Ruth went into the fields to glean God provided. Not only did Ruth work, she worked hard. Had she been too proud or too embarrassed to glean, she would have missed the opportunity God arranged for her to meet Boaz. Ruth was known to be unselfish and caring for others. Boaz noticed this in her. (Ruth 2:1-12)Ruth had found favor in Boaz as well as in God.

As we read the rest of Ruth to some it may seem to be a nice story of a girl who got lucky. But because of her faithfulness and obedience, she gained greatness and a fullness of the Lord.

As you read the book of Ruth be encouraged. God is at work in the world and He wants to use you and me. God could use you, as he used Naomi, to bring family and friends to Him.