Day 16: New Beginnings

After the death of her husband, Ruth faced a future filled with uncertainty. Yet instead of retreating, she chose to move forward. She stayed with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and journeyed to a new land. Ruth left behind her past—her homeland, her family, her comfort—and embraced something unknown.

In Bethlehem, her faithfulness didn’t go unnoticed. She met Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband who, according to Jewish custom, had the right to redeem their family line and land. Boaz honored that responsibility and married Ruth, becoming her kinsman-redeemer—a rescuer who stepped in to restore and provide. His role pointed forward to the greater Redeemer still to come: Jesus.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV).

New beginnings often come wrapped in uncertainty. But God is present in the process. When we step into the unknown with faith, we make room for His hand to move in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

Ruth’s story reminds us that a fresh start isn’t the absence of sorrow; it’s the presence of hope. When we release the grip of yesterday, we open our hands to receive what God is preparing for tomorrow.

Wherever you find yourself today—mourning a loss, making a change, or simply longing for more—God is near. He’s not done writing your story. What feels like an ending may be the beginning He’s been preparing all along.

APPLICATION

Ask God to help you recognize the “new thing” He’s doing in your life today. Stay open to how He may lead.

• PRAY

Lord, I surrender the past and open my heart to Your plans. Give me courage to take the next step and eyes to see the new beginning You’re unfolding. Amen.

• SAY

God is doing something new in my life. I trust His purpose in every step.

• ASK

What “former thing” is God inviting me to release so I can move forward with Him?