When Hope Comes

Donna Aust 

One of my favorite things to do is study some of the characters of the Bible. You can learn so much by just taking the time to study… and the contemplate…actually pause and try to put yourself in the position of who you are reading about.  What would your reactions be? What would you have said in a particular situation? How would you have reacted to people sharing the Gospel with YOU in Biblical times. 

I’ve researched and preached on many characters in the Bible by doing just that. Those are some of my most requested sermons as well.   

I said all that to lay the ground work for what you are going to be hearing from our guest today.  Donna Aust is the founder of Donna Aust Ministries and she is also the author of a great book, “When Hope Comes – Discovering God’s Character and Our True Identity Through the Book of Ruth.” 

In this book, you will meet Ruth. You will experience the tragedy and hard choices they had to make. You will be with them as they go through some the darkest times imaginable, personally and for the nation of Israel as well. But, you will also see how God uses this “non-Jewish” woman in a unique way… to usher in the birth of our Savior… Jesus. Amen! 

I can’t wait… help me welcome to the program, Donna Aust!  Donna, it is a blessing to have you with us today. I can’t tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to today’s interview. 

Before we get started though, the first question I always start with is this… other than that brief information I just shared, can you tell us in your own words, “Who is Donna Aust?” 

Let me ask you, WHY did you write this book about Ruth? 

What was it about Ruth’s story that resonated with you the most? 

Ruth was a Moabite, historically, they were enemies of Israel. But times were hard and Naomi and her husband and sons decided to be like Jacob and go where the food was… in this case, Moab. But tragedy struck and the men died.  This seems like it should be the end of the story… but this young woman decided that SHE would live as an Israelite – in Israel. Forsaking her past and staying with her mother-in-law.  God used that Faith to usher in the birth of Jesus. 

But, some people say she acted improperly by going to the threshing floor and making an intimate advance on Boaz (even though she was following Naomi’s instructions). Basically, she was ASKING Boaz to fulfill the Jewish tradition of being a “kinsman-redeemer.” How did you cover this in your book? 

Another thing I would like to bring out is the two different kinds of attitudes we see demonstrated. Naomi is bitter, “Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara because the Lord has made my life bitter” in Ruth 1:20-21… compared to the faith of Ruth who acted in unwavering loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi’s instructions.   

Did you highlight these two differences in your book? 

Like I said in the beginning, I like to look at things, not from the perspective of “the spiritual acts” that I’m reading – but how “I WOULD HAVE” reacted without the foreknowledge that we have by reading about what happened. 

For example, when Paul was stoned to death and left on the side of the road… he was dead. Which means he was in the presence of Jesus.  But, his disciples were praying, releasing their Faith to raise him from the dead.  I imagined myself there… in the presence of Jesus – enjoying Heaven… and then Jesus says, “You have to go back – they’re praying for you to revive and I have to honor their Faith.”  I’d be like, “NO!” And then, BAM – I’m back in my body on earth… I don’t know about anybody else… but I believe Brother Bob would’ve come up SWINGING… “Why did you do that?” 

But… I digress… I’m just making the point that, in order fully comprehend that these were NORMAL, everyday people and not some “holier than thou – you sinner” type of people… these were NORMAL people that God used in extraordinary ways. Amen! 

I love this book, “When Hope Comes – Discovering God’s Character and Our True Identity Through the Book of Ruth,” and what you’ve shared about Ruth. What is the major takeaway you would like the readers of your book to receive?  

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about this book before we get ready to close?  

How can someone order a copy of your book? Is it on Amazon? 

Donna, this has been so interesting. If someone has a question or would like more information on how to get in touch with you, maybe even to do an interview such as this – how can they do that? How can someone get in touch with you? 

I’ll put links to all of this in the show notes below. 

Folks, this book is great…You need to drop down into the show notes and order your own copy of Donna Aust’s book, “When Hope Comes – Discovering God’s Character and Our True Identity Through the Book of Ruth.”  In fact, I’d recommend you order two or three of them and share them with your friends. Maybe start a book club or something. This is information that needs to get out there. You never know WHO will be blessed when you share this book with those you know. Purchase a couple and put them in your church library. Amen!  

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Email:   donna@donnaaustministries.org 

Website:   https://donnaaustministries.org/ 

Book:  “When Hope Comes – Discovering God’s Character and Our True Identity Through the Book of Ruth” – on Amazon 

Mentioned in this episode:

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