April 16

Ruth’s story begins with deep loss. Naomi, her mother-in-law, faces heartbreak after losing her husband and both of her sons. With nothing left, she decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to stay behind. But Ruth makes a powerful declaration:  "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16)  

Despite her pain, Ruth chooses faithfulness, stepping into the unknown to follow Naomi and trust in God. In Ruth 2, we see the beginning of God's provision as she meets Boaz, a man of kindness and integrity. What started in sorrow begins to turn toward blessing.  

Similarly, in Acts 3, we see another transformation—this time, of a man who had been lame from birth. He sat at the temple gate daily, begging for help, but one encounter with Jesus changed everything. Peter declares:  "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:6)  

Instantly, the man is healed, leaping and praising God. Like Ruth, his life was once marked by brokenness, but God had a greater plan for restoration.

God is always working, even when we can’t see it. Whether we feel stuck in grief like Naomi, in need like Ruth, or powerless like the beggar at the gate, God’s grace is at work, moving us from brokenness to blessing.  

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