By Anthony
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The Acts of Restoration and Compassion, ARC, Church on Sunday delivered a stirring and deeply reflective message drawn from Ruth 1:15-–2:1-13, urging believers to resist abandoning God under pressure and to embrace covenant loyalty, character, and spiritual positioning as keys to destiny fulfillment.
The service centred on a powerful admonition: “Do not leave God to follow gods.” Congregants were reminded that not everything life presents should be accepted, and that spiritual maturity includes the courage to say no, even when circumstances appear overwhelming.
Using the contrasting decisions of Ruth and Orpah in the Book of Ruth, the Lead Pastor, Rev Paul Chikwem, the preacher emphasised that circumstances must never dictate one’s loyalty to God. Orpah returned to Moab when the journey became uncertain, but Ruth clung to Naomi and declared unwavering commitment: “Your God shall be my God.”
The congregation was challenged to examine whether their relationships with God are emotional or covenantal. “That someone is following you does not mean they are truly with you,” the man of God noted, warning against superficial loyalty and drawing parallels to Judas’ kiss of Jesus, an act that looked affectionate but concealed betrayal.
Ruth’s decision to remain with Naomi, despite hardship, was described as the turning point that triggered divine repositioning. Her covenant commitment moved her from a “cursed land” into a covenant future in Bethlehem, the “house of bread.”
The message highlighted the importance of spiritual and geographical positioning. Ruth’s encounter with Boaz was not accidental but divinely orchestrated. Though she entered the field as a gleaner, searching for food, she eventually emerged as a wife and landowner.
“You may be anointed but unnoticed, gifted but hidden, qualified but ignored,” Rev. Chikwem declared. “A shop selling gold means nothing to someone looking for crayfish.” The analogy underscored the importance of being positioned where one is needed and valued.
Believers were encouraged not to despise small beginnings. Ruth started humbly, gleaning leftovers in the field, yet her consistency and character elevated her. “Your consistency will take you where your mouth cannot,” the congregation heard.
The preacher stressed that repositioning without a renewed mindset is ineffective. “Geographical positioning without spiritual underpinning amounts to nothing. If your mentality remains wrong, relocation changes nothing.”
Drawing from the account of Zechariah and the birth of John the Baptist, worshippers were reminded that even when Zechariah was struck mute, he still found a way to communicate the divine instruction concerning his son’s name. The message highlighted the importance of spiritual sensitivity and effective communication.
“There are signs everywhere,” the preacher said. “But why don’t we understand them?” Members were urged to discern divine signals and avoid forcing themselves into spaces where they are neither welcomed nor needed.
The problem, it was noted, is often not the absence of signs but the inability to interpret them.
Referencing what happened between Daniel and King Darius, the sermon emphasised consistent devotion. Darius referred to Daniel as one who served God “continually,” not conditionally. The preacher observed that even an unbelieving king recognised the steadfastness of Daniel’s faith.
God’s intervention in shutting the mouths of the lions was portrayed as not only a deliverance for Daniel but also a divine response to the king’s declaration of faith. The congregation was reminded that prophecies require prayerful partnership.
“When Elijah told Ahab there was a sound of abundance of rain, he did not relax; he went to pray,” the preacher said. “A prophecy will be challenged. Run with it, and pray with it.”
King Darius’ decision to fast after declaring faith in Daniel’s God was cited as evidence of burden-backed prophecy. “How much do you value what has been spoken over you?” the church was asked.
The sermon further stressed that Boaz was drawn not to Ruth’s beauty but to her character and conduct. Her treatment of Naomi had already become known in Bethlehem before she ever met him.
“No man wants to engage problems but potential,” the preacher remarked, adding that character makes potential visible.
Ruth’s intention was clear: she went to work, not to look for a husband. “When you pursue purpose, purpose will bring other things,” the congregation was told. Members were cautioned against coming to church in search of spouses instead of seeking Christ.
“Seek first the kingdom,” the preacher echoed,”and every other thing shall be added unto you.”
The charismatic and eloquent preacher addressed the growing trend of isolated Christianity, cautioning that believers cannot thrive alone. “No soldier stands alone without a company,” the congregation heard, reinforcing the importance of church fellowship.
Ruth’s recognition began the day she stepped out to work. The message encouraged members to remain diligent and consistent in their endeavours, regardless of how small the beginnings may seem.
“You have what it takes,” he preacher affirmed. “You may simply not be well positioned.”
The service concluded with prayers for divine alignment and destiny connections.
Chikwem declared that sometimes all one needs is “one Boaz”, a strategic connection that alters the course of a lifetime.
“There is a man connected to men that is connected to men,” the congregation was told, followed by a prophetic prayer: “May God connect you to that man.”
The overarching message of the service was clear: do not abandon God because of pressure; do not despise humble beginnings; cultivate character; pursue purpose; remain covenantal; and position yourself where divine favour can locate you.
From Moab to Bethlehem, the journey may be fraught with trials, but for those who cling to God continually and not conditionally, the rest, as illustrated in Ruth’s story, becomes history rewritten by grace.
