Day 19: Faithful in Adversity

Opening Scripture

Ruth 1:16 Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

Naomi had two sons who were married. After her sons died, she released her daughters-in-law to return to their own families. Ruth, however, refused to leave. Her commitment was unconditional—she would not abandon an elderly widow to face life alone. Ruth was not obligated by law to stay, but she recognized that remaining was the right thing to do.

We live in a time when fellowship, even among believers, can become shallow because of selfishness. We often place our own desires above the needs of others. True fellowship, however, is found in a community where each person places the needs of others ahead of personal desire. This is what the church is striving to become. We must pray for discernment to know whom, within the church, to knit our hearts to—but once we do, we must remain faithful.

There is nothing wrong with pursuing the desires of our hearts, but those desires must take a secondary place behind doing what is best for others so that they may mature in the wisdom and power of God.

Because Ruth stayed, she encountered Boaz, a relative of her mother-in-law. He eventually married her and provided for her abundantly. When we seek first the kingdom of heaven, the Lord brings to us all that we need—and often far more than we expected.

The Examen

Who has God placed in my life that may need my faithful presence during a difficult season?

Where might my own desires be competing with my call to remain committed to others?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Proverbs 17:17 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, teach me to be a friend who remains faithful in adversity—one who is not overwhelmed by the drama of my own life or driven by personal desires at the expense of those I love. Amen.