Lessons from Naomi in the book of Ruth

Few things make us feel as helpless as living with a story we don’t like. Maybe one that involves the loss of a loved one, an unwanted transition, a difficult diagnosis, or a dream that fell through. At one time or another, we all deal with disappointments and feelings that life is unfair or that we are being punished.

In Renewed, a four-week study of the Book of Ruth, women glean wisdom from Naomi’s perspective, a woman who lived a story she didn’t choose or like. Forced to chart a new path as she mourned the loss of her husband and two sons, Naomi learned that the journey from bitterness to renewed hope and joy was rooted in God’s promise of redemption.

With insight from her own journey of living with a story that is not easy, Heather teaches women to flourish even as they live hard stories through a willingness to trust that God can transform them and trade their heartache for hope. They will learn to rely on God’s movement in the details of their story, even when it can’t be seen, gain confidence to act in the part of their stories that they can change, and watch expectantly for God to redeem the parts they can’t.

Interested in leading a group through the Renewed study?

I’ve put together a handful of resources that may be helpful as you consider and plan for your group. Here’s what’s included:

an FAQ document with answers to all the questions about leading a group through Renewed – labeled START HERE
a PDF set of printable scripture cards related to the study
a PDF sample of Week 1 of the participant workbook
an informational flyer you can share with your group
a set of images you can post on social media, share via email, or use however you wish in promoting your group study

Heather Dixon knows firsthand the struggle to embrace difficult circumstances as she deals with an auto-immune disorder that has changed the landscape of her life. In Renewed: Finding Hope When You Don’t Like Your Story, Heather helps us see Naomi in the book of Ruth as a woman who didn’t welcome the trials that continually came her way but saw God working in the midst of them. Heather helps us connect with the book of Ruth in a unique way so that we can live with hope whether life’s curveballs are for a season or a lifetime!

MELISSA SPOELSTRA, BIBLE STUDY TEACHER AND AUTHOR OF NUMEROUS BIBLE STUDIES AND BOOKS, INCLUDING THE NAMES OF GOD AND TOTAL FAMILY MAKEOVER

It’s one thing to tell people how to envision a new life or to change their situation; it takes a completely different level of wisdom, heart, and compassion to guide people through living a story well that they never would have chosen. Heather Dixon, with her powerful ability to make scripture sing into some of the darkest nights, helps women navigate well in those places where it can be hard to see God’s purpose and presence. With a unique perspective on the story of Naomi from the book of Ruth, Heather will help you learn to thrive in the situations and circumstances you didn’t see coming. You’ll be renewed in spirit, heart, hope and purpose through the pages of Renewed!

JULIE LYLES CARR, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, SPEAKER, AND HOST OF ALLMOMDOES PODCAST

There are parts of my story I want to change, but can’t. However, Renewed takes a different and refreshing approach to the biblical narrative of Ruth. Through studying the narrative of Naomi instead of her more famous daughter in law, I see the parts of my story I’ve lamented differently now. For you and I may never be loved by a Boaz. Bushels of food may be hard to come by in certain seasons of our lives. But our God will restore and redeem our stories just like He did for Naomi. I claim this now, for Heather has helped me take some next steps of faith with a renewed sense of purpose and joy even though my own story is far from being a painless one. For in life’s most darkest moments, all I have left is the only thing I’ve only ever had and needed: the God of Naomi. And the same is true for you.

TRACY STEEL, SPEAKER AND AUTHOR OF A REDESIGNED LIFE: UNCOVERING GOD’S PURPOSE WHEN LIFE DOESN’T GO AS PLANNED

About the Author

Heather M. Dixon is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher who understands living with a story that is not easy. Diagnosed with an incurable and terminal genetic disorder that she inherited from her mother, she is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to trust in God, face their greatest fears, and live with hope, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances. When she is not blogging at The Rescued Letters or speaking at women’s conferences and events, Heather loves to make the most of everyday moments such as cooking for her husband and son, brainstorming all the possible ways to organize Legos and superheroes, checking out way too many library books, or unashamedly indulging in her love for all things Disney. Heather is a regular contributor to Journey magazine and the author of three Bible studies including Determined: Living Like Jesus in Every Moment and Renewed: Finding Hope When You Don't Like Your Story.

Renewed: Finding Hope When You Don't Like Your Story

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Even when it seems that the forces of darkness might overtake us, God still reigns. He is not asleep. He has not forgotten. His hope will shine through the darkness if we can just remember to look for it. The light of His redeeming love will always win; it will always beat the dark.

When the world as we know it feels like it’s falling apart, we can rejoice in the knowledge that there is One who is never caught off guard and works all things for our good. From the most intricate of details to the broadest of plans, Jesus is behind them all.

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