note of introduction…
What does the “providence of God” mean in your life? Do you recognize the ways God manifests himself every day? Do you know what purpose(s) he has for you? How do you overcome the fears and temptations Satan throws in your path to thwart your usefulness?
Enter Ruth and Esther. Both were women of another time and place who had the same God, the same questions, the same fears, and the same desires we have as women in the twenty-first century. Walking in their shoes is a journey with obedient and faithful women who allowed God to utilize them as part of a higher plan. God used these women to teach me some valuable lessons. Ruth taught me about loyalty to family members and to God. She showed me what it means to sacrifice dreams and desires to fulfill responsibilities. Esther taught me to take risks and to be wise about the opportunities God gives to serve and influence others. Both of them encouraged me to be more aware of what God is doing in my life and how God wants to use me. You may learn something different from these two women but my prayer is God will use this study to open the eyes of your heart to a deeper love and appreciation for his ways resulting in a more effective life of service for his glory.
These lessons have been written from the New International Version of the Bible, but of course, you are not limited to that version. The questions were designed to be answered using only your Bible as a resource. Occasionally a concordance or dictionary may be helpful in finding additional scriptures or clarifying meanings of words not commonly used today. May I suggest that you always pray at the beginning of your study so your precious time will be guided by the Holy Spirit? “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2:12 NIV)
Paula Rhodes
