“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. (Ruth 3:5)

Some considered Gale an “odd” sort of Bible college student. He was less refined than his peers. He sometimes missed nonverbal communication cues, making him appear tactless. His straightforward manner took people off guard. His simple faith unnerved those who took pride in their own intellectual labyrinths of theological complexity.

One day Gale felt compelled to knock on the front door of an unfamiliar house and declare to whomever opened it: “God wants you to know that he loves you.”

This was a strange thought, indeed—even for Gale. He hesitated, knowing that this action might make him appear crazy and frighten the resident inside. But deep in his heart, he knew the thought came from God.

Knock, knock.

A woman cracked the door open and peered warily around it. Gale delivered his simple message and waited. Suddenly, the woman threw open the door, put her face in her hands, and sobbed uncontrollably.

“How did you know?” the woman asked, once she could speak. “Just minutes ago I prayed, ‘God, if you are real, please show me that you love me!’”

Ruth was already an oddity in her community, and Naomi’s strange instructions put Ruth’s fragile reputation at even greater risk. However, Ruth trusted her mother-in-law, and her new God, to lead her in the right direction. Her simple act of obedience proved the authenticity of her newfound faith.

Demonstrate your faith through one simple act of obedience to God.

Laura Hurd is an ordained minister, pastor’s wife, and mother of four. She has a deep love for rural America and is passionate about its potential for spiritual growth.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.