Message: “Results of Following the Heart” from Pastor Martin Chappell

Ruth 1:10-13

July 3, 2022

What are the results of following your heart?

• Failure to see what God is doing, vv. 10-13a.
• The young women refused to go home and insisted on going with Naomi.
• Naomi sought what she thought was best for Orpah and Ruth.
• She wanted them to return to their families, find husbands, and start over.
• It does not appear Naomi sought God’s will.
• If Orpah believed in God, Moab would be a hard place to remain faithful.
• God’s plan for Ruth was that she leave Moab, not return.
• By following her heart, Naomi failed to see what God was doing in the moment.

• Self-centered thinking that leads to bitterness, v. 13b.

• Naomi believed that her hardships had been caused by God.
• Her life was bitter and it would be better for Orpah and Ruth to leave.
• Naomi’s experience is very similar to Job’s experience.
• Overwhelmed with grief and distress, Job 6:1-3.
• Blamed God, Job 19:6-10.
• Struggled with faith and hope, Job 13:13-15.
• Ultimately trusted in God as Redeemer, Job 19:25-27.
• By following her heart, Naomi lost peace and joy in her life.

Live It Out

• Following the heart is misleading and dangerous, Jeremiah 17:9.
• Notice the context for Jeremiah 17:9.
• Following the heart leads to hardship and struggle (bitterness), 17:5-6.
• Trusting in God leads to strength and peace despite life’s problems, 17:7-8.
• God works according to our faith, v. 10.
• When we follow our heart, we move out from under His blessing and protection.
• When we trust Him, He fills us with strength, purpose, and fruitfulness.
• If following the heart is so misleading and dangerous, what should we do? 
• Make knowing and following God your highest priority – grow closer to Him.

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