Point One: Running Away From Problems Doesn’t Solve Your Problems

Point Two: Turning Towards God In The Midst of Problems is the first step towards Redemption

Discussion Questions:

Watch the past message, then choose questions to get your group thinking and create openness.

  1. What was something that stood out to you from this Sunday’s sermon? What was something that stood out to you? Share what you learned and how it will impact your life.

  2. Read Ruth 1:1-15, 19-21. In verses 1-2, what stands out to you about the family’s decision to leave Bethlehem? How do you think they justified their decision? Have you ever made a decision out of desperation or fear?

  3. Read Ruth 1:3-5. Naomi goes through great loss. How do you think these hard times changed how she saw God and her faith? How do losses in your own life affect how you see your faith?

  4. Read Ruth 1:6-7. Naomi chooses to go home after hearing that God had helped His people. What does this show about her relationship with God? Have you ever felt pulled back to God after a hard time?

  5. Read Ruth 1:8-9. Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to go back to their families. Why do you think she did this? How do you act when you want to keep others from hard times, even if it means being alone?

  6. Read Ruth 1:10-13. Naomi shows deep bitterness and feels that God is against her. What do you notice about how honest she is with God and others? How does this compare with how you deal with being disappointed with God?

  7. Read Ruth 1:14-15. Orpah and Ruth respond differently to Naomi's request. What things might have shaped each woman’s choice? How do you decide when you have to choose between what is easy and what is right?

  8. Read Ruth 1:19-21. Naomi asks to be called “Mara” because she feels God has made her life bitter. Why do you think God includes these strong feelings in the Bible? How can being honest about our pain help us grow in our faith?

  9. Naomi’s story includes both running from problems and turning back to God. How can we know when to stay strong in a hard place and when it is time to move on?

  10. What steps can you take this week to turn toward God, even in areas of disappointment or bitterness? How can you support others in your group as they seek to trust God in their own challenges?