S.U.P. Success Under Pressure

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. 

Ruth 1:18

Surely you're familiar with the story of Ruth.  The sweet, courageous woman who portrays our need for a Redeemer.  Boaz is a picture of Christ--our Kinsman Redeemer.  Oh the book of Ruth is full of wonderful images of our Savior, with His redeeming love being intricately woven throughout its pages. 

Today I was in need of a Word of encouragement...maybe even some Comfort Food.   "Oh, Father, I come to You...I need to hear from You."  After breathing a short prayer for the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's Word to my heart, I opened the Bible and found my eyes staring at the book of Ruth. 

The courage in this woman's heart revealed something LACKING in my own.  She had the backbone to follow her faith--the faith that God had given her.   I'm sure Ruth respected Naomi.  But did you notice the DETERMINATION of Ruth NOT to turn around and go back, as Orpah did, at the urging of Naomi?  

Do you know what you want out of life?  What or Who are you DETERMINED to go after?   Let's say you are on the right track, following the Lord, but someone comes along and URGES you to GO BACK to your native land, your sinful ways.  Would you have the backbone to say "NO, I won't go back!"   ??   Sooner or later we'll be faced with a strong person, who's determined to turn us around, to get us off track.   They may even be unaware of what they're doing.  They may THINK they're urging us to do something that is "right in their own eyes." 

The key to "Success Under Pressure" is submission---submission to God and His will.  If you're totally sold out and determined to FOLLOW THE LORD, then no matter the temptation or "strong recommendations" by others to hop off track, you'll have the backbone to keep on the right track.  

Isn't it "neat" that the initials for "Success Under Pressure" are S.U.P.? Hmmmm...That reminds me of:  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will SUP with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20  (KJV)  We can be so determined to go our "own merry way," that we fail to hear our Savior knocking at our heart's door.  Just like when Naomi saw Ruth's determination and gave up "urging Ruth," our Lord will eventually do the same thing if we continually reject His invitation.   He is never pushy, or overbearing.   That's why it's important that we be VERY CAREFUL to respond to His gentle urging, and open our heart's door to Him....He will come in and "SUP" with us.  It's in that sweet fellowship with Him that we'll find the strength to be Successful Under Pressure!

Thank You Father for this wonderful truth to my heart.  Increase our courage and stamina---increase our ability to withstand the enemy's temptation to "go back."   I also pray for anyone who may be determined to "go their own way" by ignoring Your sweet invitation to come in and SUP with them.   Soften their hearts, Holy Spirit. Quiet the anxiety in their hearts so that they may hear the sound of Your gentle voice calling out to them. And for those of us who may be encountering some "static" from others, give us wisdom to hear YOUR signal--broadcast YOUR direction for our lives, and give us Holy Boldness to follow You, no matter what.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.