Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 8

Fasting Devotional – Day Eight

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Title: Ruth Surrenders her Future

Text: Ruth 1-4

Written by: Sarah Hale

Thoughts:

Ruth was the loyal daughter-in-law of Naomi. Naomi and her husband Elimelek along with their two sons had relocated to Moab. While living there both sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. As time passed Naomi’s husband as well as her two sons passed away. When it was time for Naomi to return to Bethlehem, she encouraged both Orpah and Ruth to return to their own land and to their own people. Orpah did just that, but Ruth clung to Naomi and made the well-known declaration that she would go where Naomi went, Naomi’s people would be her people, and Naomi’s God would be Ruth’s God. (Ruth 1:16-17)

Because it was time for the barley harvest when Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth humbly asked Naomi for permission to glean in the barley fields. It turns out that she was in the field of Boaz, a close relative to Elimelek. Boaz noticed Ruth and took measures to make sure she was able to pick up plenty of grain and that she would be safe from harm in the fields. Boaz had heard of her loyalty to Naomi, and he spoke over her a blessing that she be richly rewarded by the God of Israel under whose wings she was taking refuge (Ruth 2:12)

Naomi wanted to find a home for Ruth. She gave detailed instructions to Ruth on how to go about asking Boaz to be her guardian-redeemer. Ruth was obedient to the task. Boaz was pleased with her kindness. After checking with Elimelek’s next closest relative, it was settled that Boaz would buy the land of Elimelek and acquire Ruth as his wife. Ruth soon gave birth to Obed. The women in town told Naomi, “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!” (Ruth 4:14) Indeed he did become famous as Obed is the grandfather of David and in the line of Jesus!

Wayne and I found ourselves in a spot a few years ago where we felt God calling us to Clearpoint Church. Would we stay in our comfortable spot with people and ministries we knew? Or would we follow God’s leading into the unknown where he was calling us to more through a deeper relationship with Him? Much like Ruth we chose to follow God’s prompting and have found that God can be trusted to care for us and to bring us to deeper understanding of His ways.                                                                                                                                               

Challenge:

Just as Ruth surrendered her future to the unknown through her loyalty, humility and obedience, we too can trust God with our future. In what ways do you need to humble yourself and your plans in loyal obedience to God? Where is God asking you to follow him today?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We come before you with humble hearts today. We surrender our plans, hopes and fears to you today trusting that your path for us is good. Help us to walk in faith even when the way is unclear.  Thank You for being faithful, loving, and constant. Amen.

Where is God asking you to follow Him today?