Performance.

Whenever we struggle in a sinful habit we cannot break or get caught in some unpleasantness that has no end in sight,the idea of finding a purpose in it seems like nothing more than a pious platitude.We feel lucky if we can simply maintain the status quo.We can't imagine how such miserable circumstance could ever be transformed into something positive.
The reason many of us have trouble accepting the idea that God can transform pain into purpose stems from a faulty thinking about God.We see him as a cosmic stage manager waiting in the wings to redesign the set whenever our circumstances become unpleasant.When we give the cue,we expect Him to leap into action and change our surroundings in some mysterious way-apart from anything we do and regardless of whether or not we change.Then,when God does not change the setting on cue,we sigh in disgust and go about changing it for Him.

But God is not an inept stage manager.He is the playwright,and He does not change the setting for the comfort and convenience of the characters.Throughout history God has been unfolding an intricate plot of redemption that transcends both the setting and the characters.To accomplish His plan,God needs cooperative characters who trust His direction and don't try to rewrite the script or change the stage directions.
God's plan involves certain principles that are non-negotiable.They are not hidden,complicated,or difficult.They are not mystical,magical,or even miraculous.They are simple truths that are common to all humans and essential for health and well-being of society.
In the book of Ruth,we see an example of how Ruth  was relatively young in the faith,but had already internalized many of these truths,and when life took a turn for the worse,she acted upon them.In the wake of tragedy,Ruth exercised qualities that transformed her circumstances.