Ruth’s Gritty Faith & the Beauty of Humble Obedience
The Mountains Melt at His Presence
“The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD—at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth.” —Psalm 97:5 (CSB)
There’s something powerful about seeing the mountains in our lives fall in the presence of God. The trials, the losses, the unknowns—they all bow before Him. And in the book of Ruth, we see this truth lived out through the gritty, beautiful faith of one woman who chose God over comfort.
The Bold Faith of Ruth
Ruth is a woman in Scripture I’ve grown to deeply admire. She was a Moabitess—an outsider—who faced immense adversity: the loss of her husband, the grief of her mother-in-law Naomi, and the societal rejection that came with being a foreigner in Bethlehem.
Yet through it all, Ruth remained steadfast.
She made a bold decision to leave behind what she knew and follow Naomi, declaring, “Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Whether she realized it or not, Ruth wasn’t just choosing loyalty to Naomi—she was pursuing the presence of God. She longed for something deeper than physical comfort or security. Even when she knew she might not be welcomed, she didn’t let that stop her. Her heart was set.
From Lowly to Lifted
Ruth acknowledged her lowly position, but she didn’t let it define her. She didn’t wear a scarlet letter for being a widow, a servant, or a Moabite. Instead, she displayed humility, boldness, and a transparent heart. And God honored it.
Through Boaz—a man of integrity and faith—God provided Ruth with protection, provision, and ultimately, a place in His redemptive plan. She became the great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of Jesus.
Ruth’s life reminds us: obedience to God often requires walking uphill paths, but those paths are never without purpose.
God Meets Us in Our “Lowly” Places
Just like Ruth, we are part of God’s greater story to point others to Jesus. The “mountains” we face—whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual—can so easily cloud our view. But when we come humbly before God, He meets us with mercy. He removes what doesn’t belong and fills us with what only He can give.
Don’t underestimate what God can do in your surrender. When He calls you to humble places, it’s because He desires to produce abundant fruit in and through your life.
A Prayer for the Lowly Servant
Heavenly Father, You are the faithful Vinedresser who meets us in our lowly places. We are not defined by the world’s labels—we are Your daughters, taking refuge in You just as Ruth did. You are our strength and ever-present help in time of need. Open our eyes to see every trial as part of Your plan to refine us and point others to Christ. May we walk in wholehearted devotion, trusting You with our lives and loving others well for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scriptures to Reflect On
Ruth 1–2
Psalm 90:1–2, 91:1–2, 97:5–7
John 15
Meet the Author
Sharon Milius
Sharon and her husband, Chad, reside in Durant, Oklahoma. As a devoted homemaker, she cherishes her quiet time with the Lord, spending hours each morning in His Word—a sacred time she fiercely protects. Sharon has a deep desire to write in a way that glorifies the Lord, whether through a book, a Bible study, or both, and she sees this opportunity as a step in that direction.
Beyond writing, Sharon enjoys gardening, walking, helping her husband on the ranch, and spending time with her two beloved Border Collies. She also finds great joy in traveling to visit their adult children, fellowshipping with friends to grow in Christ together, and, of course, savoring a good cup of coffee. A simple pleasure she delights in is hanging laundry on the clothesline on a bright, sunny day.
Sharon is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Daughter of Delight in bringing glory to God and is excited for the journey ahead.
