Our text today is from Ruth chapter 1. Ruth has lost her husband and her two sons. She is now a widow with two daughter-in-laws who are her dependents. There is nothing left. The losses keep coming and there is no future for a lady in this culture who is not married. All three of them need providers and protectors from the culture itself. So Ruth tells both of them to move back home and find a new man and get married. Break up the team and each person for themselves to now make it forward in life. Her daughter-in-law said no way! I am with you to the end.

Ruth 1:15–18 (ESV): 15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

The difference between those who win and those who lose are those who have faith to believe. Sometimes we think winners are the ones who have it easy. The truth is that winners are the ones who do not give up. Perseverance is a trait that is in short supply in this culture. Everyone experiences obstacles, trials, and setbacks. Those who win are those who do not give up. Keep believing. Every day, take it head on. A miracle is just around the corner but you will not see it if you give up and stop believing.

Pastor Aaron