Day 25 — Naomi’s Advice

“One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, ‘My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you?’… ‘I will do everything you say,’ Ruth answered.”

— Ruth 3:1, 5 (BSB)

In Book 1, you learned about Ruth’s amazing loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth left her home country to go to Bethlehem with Naomi, promising, “Wherever you go, I will go.”

But the story doesn’t end there. In Bethlehem, the relationship between Ruth and Naomi grew into something beautiful. Naomi was older and wiser. She knew the customs of her people. She knew how things worked in Bethlehem. And she began to guide and advise Ruth.

Naomi cared about Ruth’s future. She called her “My daughter” and said, “Should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you?” She wanted good things for Ruth, and she gave her wise advice about what to do.

And Ruth, even though she was brave and strong, was humble enough to listen. “I will do everything you say.”

Because Ruth listened to Naomi’s wise advice, God blessed her in amazing ways. She married a kind man named Boaz, had a son, and became the great-grandmother of King David, part of the family line of Jesus.

Naomi was Ruth’s mentor. A mentor is an older, wiser person who helps a younger person grow. She gives advice, shares what she’s learned, prays for you and believes in you.

Every girl needs mentors. Maybe your mom is one. Maybe a grandma, an aunt, a teacher, a youth leader or a woman at church. These women have walked the road ahead of you. They’ve faced the same questions, feelings and choices you’re facing now. They can help you.

But notice: a mentor can only help you if you’re willing to listen, like Ruth.

Here are some ways to learn from older women:

• Ask questions. “What was it like for you at my age?” “What would you do in my situation?”
• Listen, even when the advice isn’t what you want to hear.
• Spend time together. Help her with something, have lunch or go for a walk.
• Thank her for caring about you.

Think about it: Who is a “Naomi” in your life, an older woman who cares about you and gives you good advice?

Try this: Spend time this week with an older woman who loves God. Ask her one question about growing up or following Jesus.

Dear God, thank You for the older women You’ve put in my life. Help me be humble like Ruth, willing to listen and learn from them. Give me a Naomi who will help me grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.