Finding the Love You Want

Finding the Love That You Want

Scripture References

• Ruth 2
• Leviticus 19
• Romans 8:28

Overview

The message moves from the heartbreak of Ruth 1 into the hope of Ruth 2, showing how God can “turn the page” for anyone who feels stuck. Pastor Craig contrasts today’s confused dating culture with the godly courtship of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting qualities that build a Christ-honoring relationship. Their story also points to Jesus, the greater Redeemer, who invites us from Moab’s emptiness into Bethlehem’s blessing.

Main Points

The Dating Problem in Today’s Culture

• Marriage rates in the U.S. have dropped nearly 60 % in five decades.
• 63 % of men under 30 choose singleness; 77 % of millennials prefer living together before marriage.
• Cultural approach: “Why buy the cow if the milk is free?” leads to high divorce and relational pain.
• Truth: If you keep doing what most people do, you’ll keep getting what most people get.

Turning the Page: Leaving Moab Behind

• Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem after loss; Ruth pledges loyalty to Naomi and to Israel’s God.
• Chapter 1 was heartbreak, but chapter 2 begins with hope—God often writes a new chapter after our lowest moments.

“When you turn away from Moab, you’ll find God’s blessings in Bethlehem.”

God’s Providence: “It Just So Happened”

• Ruth “just so happens” to glean in Boaz’s field—no burning bushes, yet God is at work.
• Providence = God using ordinary circumstances to accomplish His supernatural plan (Romans 8:28).
• Prayer matters: Naomi prayed Ruth would find kindness and a husband; God answered through Boaz.

What Stands Out in Ruth

1. Faithful to God — left Moab’s idols for Israel’s God.
2. Loyal to family — stayed with Naomi despite hardship.
3. Hard-working — gleaned all day rather than complain.
4. Morally honorable — refused prostitution though many widows resorted to it.

What Stands Out in Boaz

1. Man of standing — integrity, internal strength, owns property.
2. Honors women — greets workers with “The Lord bless you,” opens doors for Ruth, speaks kindly.
3. Protects her — tells men not to touch her, provides water.
4. Provides generously — invites her to eat until satisfied with leftovers.
5. Prays for her — “May the Lord repay you… may you be richly rewarded.”

Illustration: Pastor Craig joked that women want a “Boaz,” not a “lazy-, broke-, or dumb- ‘…az’,” underscoring the value of godly character over charm.

From Boaz to Jesus: The Greater Redeemer

• Like Ruth, we bring nothing but need; Christ brings everything good.
• Boaz invited Ruth to his table; Jesus invites us to His—bread and cup symbolizing His body and blood.
• Salvation is the ultimate page-turn: leaving sin’s Moab for life in Christ’s Bethlehem.
• Closing appeal: move from chapter 1’s pain into chapter 2’s grace by surrendering to Jesus.

“Chapter one is finished; chapter two has begun.”

Key Truths

• God’s providence often hides in “it just so happened” moments.
• Character, not convenience, shapes relationships that honor God.
• Praying for (and becoming) a Boaz or a Ruth prepares you for God’s best.
• Leaving past sin is the first step toward receiving present blessing.
• Jesus is the Redeemer who exceeds every need with grace upon grace.

Response

• Turn away from anything God has told you to leave behind.
• Cultivate faithfulness, loyalty, diligence, and moral purity daily.
• Pray specifically for your future spouse—or for your child’s future spouse.
• Honor, protect, provide for, and pray with the people you date or marry.
• Accept Jesus’ invitation and start the new chapter He offers today.

Closing

Pastor Craig urged listeners to stop reliving chapter 1 and let God start chapter 2. Hands were raised across the room and online as people left Moab and trusted Jesus.

“It just so happens God brought you here to hear this word to build your faith.”

Prayer

The congregation prayed for God to move them out of stuck places, to write new chapters, and to forgive sin through Christ.