"When Hope Comes"

summary

In this conversation, Matt Geib interviews Donna Aust about her book 'When Hope Comes' and explores the themes of redemption, identity, and the character of God as revealed in the Book of Ruth. They discuss the significance of the relationship between Naomi and Ruth, the role of suffering in revealing our sin, and the importance of living in the light of the Gospel. They also touch on the idea that God allows the progression of a hard heart to desire things that ultimately destroy us. The conversation explores the themes of suffering, identity, and God's providence. It emphasizes the importance of understanding our true identity as children of God and living in a way that reflects His character. The discussion also touches on the significance of trials and how they can shape and strengthen our faith. The book 'When Hope Comes' by Donna Aust is highlighted as a resource for further exploration of these topics.

keywords

Book of Ruth, redemption, identity, character of God, suffering, idols, Gospel, suffering, identity, providence, trials, faith

takeaways

The Book of Ruth is a love story that goes beyond the romantic relationship between Boaz and Ruth. It also reveals God's love for His people and His desire to bring them back into relationship with Him.
Suffering is not always a result of sin, but it can reveal our sin and our need for God's grace and mercy.
Living in the light of the Gospel helps us realize that idols are ultimately incapable of providing, sustaining, and satisfying us like Jesus can.
God allows the progression of a hard heart to desire things that destroy us, but His grace and mercy are always available to us.
Relationships, especially difficult ones like the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, can sanctify us and teach us to love like Jesus.
Repentance is a continual process, and it is through repentance that we can experience the depth of God's grace and mercy. Our true identity is found in being children of God and living in a way that reflects His character.
Trials and suffering can be opportunities for growth and strengthening of faith.
God's providence weaves together all the events of our lives into a purposeful tapestry.
Understanding our identity and God's character can help us confidently navigate the uncertainties of life.
The book 'When Hope Comes' by Donna Aust is a valuable resource for exploring these themes further.

titles

The Destructive Power of Idols
Living in the Light of the Gospel The Purpose and Growth in Trials
Discovering Our True Identity in God

Sound Bites

"The Book of Ruth is a love story, but it is so much more than that."
"The absence of repentance only magnifies God's grace and mercy more."
"Only when we live in the light of the Gospel do we really realize these idols are ultimately incapable of providing, sustaining, and satisfying us as only Jesus can."
"We were created uniquely and wonderfully by him for his good pleasure, for his joy, and for his accomplishing of his will and purposes."
"Our lives are secure in his hands."
"God reveals his glory in the Old and New Testament to the most unlikely and lowly people."

Chapters