Redeemed Through Community
How do I keep it together when it feels like everything around me is falling apart?
Scripture doesn't really go into the specifics on what Ruth was really longing for in her journey with Naomi. It could have been a husband, a baby, or just being able to feed her family from day to day. But I do know that as she entrusted her longing heart to God, He moved on her behalf, while also lining up with His larger plan and blessing her at the same time.
Ruth had the opportunity to meet Boaz and start a family because she was faithful to who she was called to, the community that God had set around her. Naomi pushed her toward her God, our Redeemer. God blessed her beyond what was asked by giving her Obed, the father of Jesse, who was the father of the future King, David.
I would like to think Ruth knew exactly what she was doing when she cleaved to the community around her after her husband died. She may not have known, and that's ok. Most of the time we don’t know we need community until we are in crisis.
Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
God redeems through community! Who are your people? When everything is starting to crumble around you, who do you call to lock arms with in prayer? Who is there to sharpen you and point you toward Jesus when you need it?
PROMPT: If you are looking for community, reach out to your local church home and join a Small Group. A Small Group is just a group of people looking to grow together and push each other toward Jesus.
PRAYER: Thank You for the people You have put around me to lift me up. Help me to be the friend that I need in others. Thank You for sending Your Son, our ultimate Redeemer to die on the cross for us so that we can be fulfilled through relationship with You. I love You. In Jesus Name, Amen
This devotion pairs perfectly with the song, Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen
Scripture doesn't really go into the specifics on what Ruth was really longing for in her journey with Naomi. It could have been a husband, a baby, or just being able to feed her family from day to day. But I do know that as she entrusted her longing heart to God, He moved on her behalf, while also lining up with His larger plan and blessing her at the same time.
Ruth had the opportunity to meet Boaz and start a family because she was faithful to who she was called to, the community that God had set around her. Naomi pushed her toward her God, our Redeemer. God blessed her beyond what was asked by giving her Obed, the father of Jesse, who was the father of the future King, David.
I would like to think Ruth knew exactly what she was doing when she cleaved to the community around her after her husband died. She may not have known, and that's ok. Most of the time we don’t know we need community until we are in crisis.
Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
God redeems through community! Who are your people? When everything is starting to crumble around you, who do you call to lock arms with in prayer? Who is there to sharpen you and point you toward Jesus when you need it?
PROMPT: If you are looking for community, reach out to your local church home and join a Small Group. A Small Group is just a group of people looking to grow together and push each other toward Jesus.
PRAYER: Thank You for the people You have put around me to lift me up. Help me to be the friend that I need in others. Thank You for sending Your Son, our ultimate Redeemer to die on the cross for us so that we can be fulfilled through relationship with You. I love You. In Jesus Name, Amen
This devotion pairs perfectly with the song, Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen
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2 Comments
This is so incredibly timely and perfect. On Monday, we experienced a huge loss that left me with what felt like gasping for air. I immediately reached out to my 'community', my girls that are unwavering in prayer. The peace that I needed didn't come immediately but today, I woke up with that peace. I know God is good and I have seen him send friends to me to comfort me in my grief. I'm thankful for that! Love this devotional today particularly.
I can't express enough how valuable being apart of a small group can be. I was so hesitant a few years ago of joining a small group. But oh how grateful I am that I took that step to join! God knew the circumstances of my life and knew how much community would play a role during this difficult season. Having ladies to rally around with prayer, love and kindness is beyond words. If anyone is hesitant to find a group, I say go for it! Don't wait ! Because you never know what life will bring but God does and He will provide that community of compassionate people to walk life with you!