Your God Will Be My God

Friday, August 22

Ruth 1:14-17 (NLT)
“And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”
Devotion

How much do you love God? Are you willing to leave everything behind for Him? Are you willing to leave family and your people to obey Him, all the days of your life? Being a disciple of Jesus requires complete surrender. It requires a life fully yielded to the move of the Holy Spirit. To be directed and yielded to His gentle prompting. 

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a powerful testimony of giving up everything to be with the one the Lord has directed you to stay with and to follow God all the days of your life. Ruth lost her husband. She could have chosen to go back to her family and leave Naomi on her own, just like her sister-in-law, Orpah. But Ruth made a decision to go where Naomi goes; to live where she lives; and for Naomi’s people to be her people and for Naomi’s God to be her God too. She was willing to leave everything behind to obey God and her newfound faith! 

The price of being a follower of Jesus is to deny self, take up your cross and follow him. Are you prepared to forego comfort, applause or appreciation? Are you willing to love unconditionally? Are you determined to keep yourself pure and to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength?

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Use me to be a vessel of Your grace and love to all You want to reach through me. I surrender to Your will and purpose for my life. I am Yours, and You are mine. I am ready and waiting on You. Be it unto me according to Your Word. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Are you willing to do what God wants you to do today? Will you follow and obey Him wholeheartedly? If your answer is yes, then be ready for a transformed life. God Himself fights your battles. He has given you all you need to live righteously, exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ. Go with boldness and confidence. God has given you the victory! The Lion of Judah has won the battle!

Resources

  • Watch this short clip, “God Will Use What Broke You”, and be encouraged in your season of change/transition. 
  • Write your own declaration of surrender to God, like Ruth’s words to Naomi.