Ruth: A Story of Favor

How one woman's bold move of faith and kindness changed the trajectory of her life

When people talk about Ruth, the focus is often on her relationship with Boaz. It’s commonly used to encourage single people (especially women), to find the right partner. And yes, it is a beautiful love story if you are into that kind of thing 🤪

But one day, as I was reading the book of Ruth, the Holy Spirit showed me another perspective. Ruth is more than just a love story; it’s a story of favor—how our actions can align us to receive it, and how the decisions we make can change the course of our lives.

Let’s take a closer look at her story:

Ruth’s Kindness to Naomi

Ruth’s kindness to Naomi changed her destiny. Imagine leaving everything you’ve ever known—your home, your people, your culture—to follow someone to an unfamiliar place. That is what Ruth did, and as a young woman in those times, that was an incredibly bold (probably questionable to her family )thing to do. She saw Naomi’s brokenness and couldn’t bear to let her go alone. Her selflessness and loyalty laid the foundation for the favour she later received.

Here are a few insights I want to highlight:

1. Ruth Found Favour with God: Ruth found favour with God the moment she chose Him over her family’s gods. Her declaration to Naomi, “Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16, NIV), was a powerful act of faith and surrender. This decision aligned her with God’s purpose and placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

2. Ruth’s Acts of Kindness: Ruth’s kindness wasn’t a one-time thing. She stayed with Naomi during a season of grief, worked tirelessly to provide for both of them, and ensured Naomi wasn’t left to fend for herself (Ruth 2:2-3, NIV). Her actions speak of love, loyalty, and humility.

3. Ruth’s Reputation Ruth’s character didn’t go unnoticed. When Boaz asked about her, his servants described her as “the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi” (Ruth 2:6, NIV). Boaz himself later said, “All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11, NIV). And her good reputation opened doors for her.

4. God’s Guidance and Favour Ruth’s steps were divinely ordered. The Bible says she “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3, NIV). But we know this wasn’t a coincidence. It was God’s way of leading her to a place of provision and favor, orchestrated through her obedience and faith. In choosing to follow God, he led and directed her path.

Prayer Points Based on Ruth’s Story

As I reflected on Ruth’s journey, I felt inspired to pray and declare these truths over my family and you can use them as guide too. Our confessions are powerful and when we agree with the word of God and personalise them, we will get incredible results.

So here goes:

1. Prayer for Favor: Lord, let us find favour everywhere we go, with you and with people. May we attract the right attention and be noticed by those You have assigned as our divine helpers. Just as Ruth said, “Why have I found such favour in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10, NIV), let this be our testimony in Jesus’ Name.

2. Prayer for a Positive Reputation: Father, may our reputation always reflect Your goodness. Let no lies or slander prevail against us. As Boaz said of Ruth, “All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11, NIV), let us also be known for our integrity and kindness.

3. Prayer for Divine Guidance Lord, order our steps to places where we will find favour, just as Ruth found herself in Boaz’s field. “As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz” (Ruth 2:3, NIV). Direct our paths to opportunities You have prepared for us.

4. Prayer for Wisdom and Counsel Father, give us wisdom to follow godly advice. Help us to listen to the mentors and advisors You place in our lives, just as Ruth obeyed Naomi. “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered (Ruth 3:5, NIV). Teach us to act wisely and faithfully.

5. Prayer for Obedience Heavenly Father, grant us a heart of obedience. May we never miss blessings or opportunities because of disobedience. Ruth “did everything her mother-in-law told her to do” (Ruth 3:6, NIV). Help us to trust and obey You fully.

6. Prayer for Divine Reward: Lord, reward our sacrifices and acts of kindness. Where we have sown in love, let us reap abundantly. Boaz said to Ruth, “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord” (Ruth 2:12, ESV). Bless us, Lord, as You blessed Ruth, giving her a future beyond what she could have imagined (Ruth 4:13-17, NIV). Amen.

Additional Scriptures to Reflect On

• Proverbs 3:3-4: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

• Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (KJV).

• Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Conclusion

The story of Ruth is much more than a love story; it’s a testimony of how favour works. Ruth’s faith, kindness, and obedience opened doors to extraordinary blessings. Her story reminds us that favour is not accidental—it is often the result of faithfulness, sacrifice, and trust in God.

As we walk through our journeys, may we be inspired by Ruth’s example to make choices that align us with God’s favour and purpose. May her story encourage us to believe that no matter where we start, God’s favour can rewrite our story in ways we cannot imagine.

I hope you found this helpful. I would love to get your feedback so leave me comments or send me a message. I also did a video on this which is on youtube. Click the link: Ruth: A story of favour. Please remember to like, subscribe, comment and share.

Love always,

Tito.