The Power of…

1. The Power of… A Wounded Woman Women’s Missionary Union Friendship Baptist Church | 2400 Mortensen Pkwy | Ames, IA 50014 First Lady Breanne Ward, Director

2. Focal Scripture • Ruth • Ruth 1-4

3. …A Wounded Woman • In chapter 1 of Ruth, the struggle between life, death, happiness, and suffering appears in various ways: • A famine ends the happy life in Judah and death ends the happy unity of family life in Moab. • The names of the family members reflect the struggle between happiness and sorrow: • Naomi means “pleasant/sweetness,” Elimelech means “my God is king,” Mahlon means “sickness,’ Chilion may mean “pinning away” or “consumptive,” Orpah is interpreted as “she who turns away,” Ruth may mean “friend” or “companion.” • Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth live but Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion die. • Orpah returns to Moab and Naomi requests to be called “bitterness” because of her suffering • Point of Reflection: • Have you ever felt like life hit you with one thing after another? • Has God ever been hard to trace in your life?

4. …A Wounded Woman • But Ruth is a positive constant for Naomi, our wounded sister • Ruth decides to stay and be kind to Naomi despite being told to leave and have a good life. • Ruth used the skills Naomi embedded in her to take care of Naomi. • By chapter 2, Ruth got the hang of gleaning and supporting herself and Naomi • In the midst of this, a blessing presented itself without any record of it being asked from God: Boaz.

5. …A Wounded Woman • Let’s read Ruth 2:20 • Even in the hurting heart of Naomi, she was delighted to hear about Boaz because he was a kinsman of the family. • Her faith returned to God due to not only the kindness shown by Ruth, but the divine appearance of Boaz. • Point of Reflection: • Have you ever had your faith restored due to had a simple human encounter with love and kindness?

6. …A Wounded Woman • In chapter 3 we see that Naomi was able to take the focus off of her pain and return the kindness back to Ruth. • Naomi selflessly prepared Ruth for the threshing floor, the harvest of Boaz, to determine if their family will be taken care of • The threshing floor signifies a place of judgment or redemption • Point of Reflection • Have you ever been so stuck in your circumstances you almost missed being used by God? • Recall a time you were awakened and received revelation to help someone else.

7. …A Wounded Woman • In chapter 4 we learn that Boaz became the redeemer of Naomi’s family, buying her property, marrying Ruth, and having a son with Ruth. • Their son, Obed, (candidly known as Naomi’s baby) is in the lineage of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. • Naomi is restored and revived by the works of God • Let’s read Ruth 4:14-16 • When God blesses He makes sure that you are not the only one that knows it • Point of Reflection: • Has your blessings been a testimony and encouragement for others?

8. …A Wounded Woman • In summary, Naomi showed: • her true pain and grief • selflessness to bless her daughter in law • pride in the outcome of God’s divinity + her faith • and satisfaction in knowing that she has an unspeakable joy again.

9. Invitation to Salvation • Closing Prayer Reminder: WMU 9-10 A.M. Every 2nd Saturday Friendship Baptist Church 515-292-4539 www.fbc-ames.org