“For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
She was my mentor, though she didn’t know it at first. I watched and marveled at the strength of character visible in one so pained by her life experience. Any loss is reason to withdraw, and yet, she showed up. Not as if she had no scars, but as one who had weathered storms she did not understand and still lived with the hope of redemption.
Naomi also struggled with such pain. Famine, fleeing, new country, foreign gods, sickly boys, husband’s death, sons marrying then dying. So much loss in so few words. It’s okay if you need to pause here. Like Job, it’s a lot to take in.
In her bereft state, Naomi urged both daughters-in-law to go back to their families in order to have any hope of a future. Rather than leave, Ruth “clung” to her mother-in-law, vowing to go with her, fear her God, and die where she died. Whether she realized it or not, Naomi had affected Ruth.
While Naomi was concentrating on surviving, Ruth was looking and learning. In her sadness and grief, Naomi acknowledged God’s sovereignty, even though she believed Yahweh had dealt bitterly with her. “I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21).
But God. He’s a redeeming God who fills our emptiness. In a foreign land, God brought Ruth and Naomi together. Naomi taught Ruth by living life honestly, anguish and all. In her own grief, Ruth was a support to Naomi. They were able to mutually benefit one another.
How do you view mentorship? I’ve learned from Naomi and Ruth it’s not only older to younger. In God’s economy all ages and stages have the ability to come alongside, share burdens, and lift one another up. Mentorship isn’t always a formal seeking out. But in God’s providential care, He allows relationships that grow our faith through observation and conversation.
I think of my friend who had endured much, questioning God and His timing, and yet, like Naomi, was able to acknowledge His sovereignty over all. He’s worthy of our trust and worship. He uses all our circumstances to help us understand He is our kinsman redeemer.
Let’s be mentors by how we honestly live, whether we were sought out or not, and trust our redeeming God will one day restore all things for His honor and glory alone.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for Your Word that testifies to your sovereign redemptive care. May we walk in a manner worthy of Your calling so that others can’t help but see You and want to cling to You also.
Want More?
Read Colossians 1:9–14. List the specific ways Paul prayed for the believers he was writing to. How can you turn this into a prayer for someone you’re mentoring? How can mentorship point to our Redeemer? How does mentorship point to the gospel?
