When Suffering Shapes Your Faith

Simon Lawrenson — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Series: Ruth

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 28th June 2026

Passage: Ruth 1:19-22

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What Story Are You Telling About God? | Ruth 1:19–22 | When Suffering Shapes Your Faith

What story are you believing about God when life doesn't go as planned?

In this message from Ruth 1:19–22, we explore Naomi's return to Bethlehem—a woman who believed her suffering had rewritten her story forever. Yet while Naomi saw only emptiness and bitterness, God was already preparing redemption.

If you've ever wrestled with unanswered prayers, loss, disappointment, or wondered whether God is still good in the middle of suffering, this sermon offers biblical hope rooted in the gospel.

In this sermon you'll discover:

Why suffering exposes what we truly believe about God. The difference between believing God is useful and believing God is good. How bitterness grows when we finish our story before God does. Why God often begins His greatest work when we feel most empty. How Naomi's story ultimately points us to Jesus Christ and the hope of redemption.

No matter how painful your current chapter may be, the gospel reminds us that God is still writing your story.

Faithfulness at the Breaking Point | Ruth 1:1-18

Simon Lawrenson — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Faithfulness at the Breaking Point | Ruth 1:1-18

Series: Ruth

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 21st June 2026

Passage: Ruth 1:1-18

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When life falls apart and God seems completely silent, how do you find the strength to keep going? Discover why true commitment is found not when it is convenient, but when it costs us the most.

SERMON SUMMARY In this opening message of our study in the Book of Ruth, we explore the powerful reality of covenant faithfulness (hesed) during times of deep emptiness and cultural breakdown. Set against the dark backdrop of the period of the Judges, Ruth 1 reveals how God works quietly in the ordinary moments of our lives, even when He feels absent. Join us at Calvary Chapel Southampton as we examine the contrast between worldly convenience and biblical commitment, and learn how daily turning back to God positions us to experience His silent but steady hand of redemption.

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: A Culture of Disposable Commitments 05:15 The Dramatic Backdrop of Ruth (Judges 21:25) 11:45 The Flight to Moab and the Path of Compromise 18:20 The Quiet Providence of God 25:10 The Crossroads of Covenant: Orpah vs. Ruth 33:40 Conclusion: The Gospel of the God Who Stays

ABOUT CALVARY CHAPEL SOUTHAMPTON We are a fellowship of believers in Southampton, UK, dedicated to the expository teaching of God's Word, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. Join us as we grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

Website: https://calvarysoton.co.uk/
Speaker: Simon Lawrenson
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

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Calvary Chapel: Ruth

When Suffering Shapes Your Faith

Faithfulness at the Breaking Point | Ruth 1:1-18