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• All of God's people are a part of his unfolding purpose.
• Some people are born into the center of God's purpose, others walk into it.

• Famine drove Naomi and Elimelech to a foreign land.
• Elimelech and their two married sons died there.
• The two sons' wives must decide what to do in the face of adversity.

• Orpah's commitment is conventional-it lacks depth and richness.
• Ruth's commitment is complete, rich, and full.

• It was a dangerous time in Israel.
• Naomi was bitter, but Ruth was determined.
• Through unplanned circumstances God used Boaz to provide for Ruth and Naomi.

• Zacchaeus walked into God's purposes; the Rich Young Ruler walked out of them.
  - Illustration: Bastian tells the story of a woman who chose to walk with God in bitter adversity, and how that woman eventually affected his whole family because he married her daughter.

• We must choose our level of commitment; will it be conventional and surface-level like Orpah's or full and rich like Ruth's?
• Our choice will determine our future and the kind of people we will be.