Ruth is a true story of enduring faithfulness in a time of wavering faith. As the faith of Israel rose and fell, Elimelech of Bethlehem, his wife, Naomi, and their two sons moved to Moab. Israel despised Moab, so for them to go there meant conditions in Israel were unlivable. Their time in Moab went from bad to worse. Elimelech and his sons died. After trying to tough it out for a decade Naomi decided to return home.

Through it all, we are shown Naomi's heart. She concludes that God has turned against her. As she leaves, Naomi even tells her daughters to go back to their gods. It is in Naomi's failing faith that the truly enduring faithfulness of Ruth is shown. A true biblical faith is one that stands looking the most difficult situation in the face and says, "I'm not leaving my God or his church because not even death can separate us."

Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; 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 1:16-17 NASB).

True faith can stand up to anything because God is faithful.

David Richards, Monroe, N.C.