"Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." Ruth 1:14-15

Naomi had lost her husband and both her son, and as she got ready to depart to her home land she decided to encourage her daughter-in-laws to return to their own people. Both daughter-in-laws wept at the notion of leaving Naomi, the idea grieved them both. Even though they were both emotionally moved only Ruth had the resolve to stay with Naomi. Orpah had a true emotional response to Naomi's proposal, but Ruth's response went beyond emotion. Ruth made a firm decision to stay with Naomi regardless of what happened.

Today the church is full of emotion; decisions to follow Christ and allow Him to be the true Lord of our lives are too often based only on emotion. The problem with a decision that is solely emotional based is when hard times come we have no resolve to stand our ground. Too often the church acts like Orpah when hard times come; we are truly moved emotionally and upset, but lack the resolve to stand our ground. As followers of Christ we must resolve to stay with Jesus regardless of what comes our way. Whether persecution or joy we must stand with Christ, boldly proclaiming the word of truth! We must resolve in our heart never to turn back to our old life, regardless of what we may face. I encourage you today, resolve in your heart that no matter what you may face you will continue with Christ! Resolve to fulfill God's purpose for your life here on the earth! Resolve to be unmoved!

"But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me." Ruth 1:16-17