Be Committed

Text: Ruth 1: 1-17
MORE LESSONS: I Sam. 18: 1-4
Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 1-3

Naomi's husband left Israel because there was famine in the land. He probably didn't ask God, he just heard there was food in Moab and ran there. Don't just run away from a place because there is trouble; listen to God first before you do anything.

Elimelech and his two sons died in the land of Moab leaving Naomi empty and full of sorrow; so she decided to return back to Israel. Naomi's two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, decided they would follow her to her homeland because they loved her like a mother. After some persuasion, Orpah returned back to her people but Ruth stayed true to her word. Naomi tried all she could to discourage Ruth because naturally it looked like there was no future for her if she followed Naomi but at that critical juncture in her life, the young woman Ruth made a commitment and by faith followed her mother-in-law, ...wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Y our people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried...: vs16-17(NKJV). That was commitment!

I wonder how many believers can make such unconditional and resolute commitment to God that even if they do not know where He is taking them they are ready to follow till death. Until you enter such unconditional commitment to God you can't access some levels of His commitment to you. I want you to be committed to God so that things can work for you. The song writer says, I will go with God at any length, no matter the roughness of the road. I will go; let that become your life-song.

Also be committed to your vision and purpose in life. Commitment takes the pain from the sacrifices that you need to make for you to realise your dreams because when you are committed, you don't count the pain. You can pay the price for anything you are committed to even when it is difficult. With commitment you can become whatever you aim for in life. Resolution makes you give anything you have to get what you want. It makes you go all the way. Be committed to your spouse because only commitment can make marriage work. Be committed to your children and other vital and profitable relationships God has given you. It was determination that kept Jesus on the cross.

The cross was not easy for Him; He was forsaken and tormented but He held on. The commitment of Jesus to God and to humanity brought the salvation that we enjoy today . I pray that God will give you the grace to be committed, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer/Action
* Make a commitment to God that you will live for Him all through your life.
* Ask God for help to stay in Christ without turning back, and to keep your commitment.
Identify three things that are threats to your commitment to God and command their power over you to be broken.

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