In the Book of Ruth, Naomi makes the return to her homeland after the loss of her husband and sons. Her widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth, makes the bold decision to venture into the unknown, leaving her own family, homeland, and all its customs—including its gods—to follow Naomi.

In some ways, we have an opportunity to decide the attitude in which we will take our next steps.

As Naomi urged Ruth to go back to her family so that she would be cared for, Ruth spoke passionately out of loyalty and love: “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16 NLT).

May our conferences' commitment to each other be like this!

Dear Jesus, we have come to know You through our relationship with our neighbors across the river. You reveal Yourself, Your purposes, and Your ways as You invite us to join You where You are already at work as we discern Your will. Grant us wisdom and courage to join You as we offer Christ to a hurting world, one neighborhood at a time. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray.