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Rise in strength – Ruth, living a purposeful life.

"Rise in Strength – For such a time as this"

Written by Aruk Omori

Rise in strength is a call to action for women of God to see their true potential as women of valour, great determination, courage and faith.


God has blessed us as women of God in these trying times with all the power, spiritual gift and strength that we needed to stand strong. God has blessed us with the inner strength and faith that allows us to meet and surpass the challenges of our times.

As women, we need to acknowledge God as our personal Lord and saviour. We need to totally surrender to God and wait upon the Lord by faith, placing our trust in Him to strengthen us and renew our faith.

No matter how weary we become or how difficult our circumstances, His grace is sufficient for us and his power is perfected in our weakness.

One shining example of a biblical woman who arose in strength is Ruth. She was a pagan widow who through her faith became the key to Israel’s future and to God’s plan of salvation for the world.

The book of Ruth starts with what is a real account in life; the tragedy that befall Naomi and her two daughters-in-law in the Land of Moab.

For Ruth and Naomi, the adversities they suffered made them discover God’s highest purpose for them.

Ruth is the epitome of strength, loyalty, diligence and love, whose affection for Naomi is unparalleled.

Ruth 2:1 shows us a self-motivated Ruth. As women we should be self-motivated. Those who have the call of destiny are self-motivated.

Ruth would have remained in Moab, worshipping foreign gods, belonging to an accursed nation, and forever on the outside of God’s blessings. She chose to rise in strength. She worked hard, was very humble, she was not self-centered and had a servant’s heart.

Women, take that to heart!

God is saying to all women to arise in strength. Be of noble character like Ruth. This is what God wants us to aspire to.

God chose Ruth because she modelled her character traits with graciousness, patience and self-sacrifice.

Below are six lessons women who desire to rise in strength should learn from Ruth.

1. Your Past is not your present or your future. So, never give up!

Despite her circumstances and past, she boldly moved forward, followed her mother-in-law Naomi, and searched for a better future. She did not allow adversities to weigh her down.

Your background should not keep your back on the ground.

2. We need to have faith.

Ruth, although young, showed incredible faith. She had faith that God would provide for her and her mother-in-law. Her life was driven by faith and trust in God.

3. She discovered that the God of Israel does not discriminate.

Ruth was a Moabite, a cursed nation. She was only an Israelite by marriage. Others treated her as inferior, but God loved her the same. God does not discriminate. No one is unimportant in the eyes of God once you believe and trust in Him. His blessing is sufficient to all.

4. Character matters.

They say that character is who you are when nobody is looking.

When Ruth said to Naomi in Ruth1:16
“Intreat me not to leave the, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thu God my God”.

I am sure that it didn’t cross her mind that, for centuries, millions would read about her and learn about her character and self-sacrifice. She far exceeded the expectations of a daughter-in-law. She honoured Naomi and displayed strong character as a wife to Boaz (her second husband) as well. She was a woman of integrity clothed with decorum, discipline and dignity.

5. Redemption is for everyone.

Ruth revealed in her life and trust in God that no matter your background, redemption is a gift from God and available to all. As God redeemed Ruth, so you shall be redeemed.

6. Stay loyal to your commitment.

Ruth honoured her commitment to Naomi. She stayed loyal to her commitment and God blessed her with a new husband and a new home.

Be loved in the Lord, what drives your life?

Is your life driven by guilt or is your life driven by anger?

Is your life driven by resentment and fear or is your life driven by materialism?

Ruth lived a purposeful life.

Knowing your purpose simplifies your life. Knowing your purpose focuses your life and motivates you to rise up in strength just like Ruth.

Finally, Isaiah 40:31 says:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

The charge here is to wait on the Lord. If we desire as women to rise in strength, we must learn to wait on the Lord. We must learn to surrender to God and trust in Him. Only then shall we walk and not be weary, only then shall we run and never faint.

Women, arise in strength!

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