There is Always Hope

Ruth 1:12

In this message we are going to look at the contrast of Ruth and Naomi regarding having hope. It is interesting that Naomi who lost hope should have been the one with the most hope and Ruth who really did not have much to hope for is the one will all the hope. We can all agree that we have been on both sides of hope, having more than we should or having lesson than we should as we hope to show in this message hope will usually depend on our view of God.

Definition of Hope:

Hope – A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety. [Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828]

Contrast of Ruth and Naomi:

Ruth 1:12-22 (Naomi, Lost hope believes that God had dealt bitterly with her, not much to live for)

Ruth 1:16-18 ; 2;11-12 (Ruth, places her hope in God as she forsakes her family and hope of a future husband)

The difference was trusting God word as Abraham (Romans 4:18)

What can you do when hope is lost?

1)  Find a new purpose (Hope)

• Ruth went to work caring for Naomi, Naomi went to work to help Ruth with Boaz. Either way they put themselves into others.
• Paul is a good example here (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

2)  Stay true to God’s word no matter what the circumstances

• Ruth stayed true to God’s word by gleaning and taking her place as a widow and trusting in his provisions. (Ruth 2:11-12)

3)  Endure to the end (Romans 5:3-5)

• We must be patient and let God either work things out or show us what we should do.