Ruth 3:7-9
Sometimes God asks to do something hard, to step out in full trust of His providence. Often our first response is “why me?” or “isn’t there someone more qualified?” Ruth may have had similar feelings of doubt and a resistance to enacting the plan that Naomi had. It would require Ruth to humble herself and ask for Boaz to redeem her. She would have to trust God that she wouldn’t be rejected and harm her standing in the community and her ability to help provide for Naomi and herself. There was a lot riding on this plan. In Ruth’s time it was very hard for a widow to provide for her household. Ruth is the outsider coming from a foreign land and trying to understand and fit into the community would have added to the stress.
How we respond to God when given an opportunity says a lot about our spiritual maturity and our character. Ruth, most likely loaded with concerns and doubts, says “all that you say I will do.” Ruth’s humility and character shine during this process. How have you responded when God has asked? Look at Boaz’s response to finding Ruth lying at his feet in the middle of the night. He embraces the opportunity and goes on a mission to settle Ruth’s situation as fast as he can. Character and integrity need to show up when God has a request for us. How can we say God is the most important relationship in our life but not step out in faith when requested to do so? Ruth is asking for a big thing. Redeem me, cover me, I need what only you can provide.
A redeemer, sound familiar? We are just like Ruth, we need a redeemer, someone to fix our sin problem. A problem that cannot be solved on our own. There’s no action we could take to remedy the situation. Redeem in this passage refers to deliverance of someone that had been sold for a debt. Our debt: sin. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid that debt for those who believe. Ruth needed and wanted Boaz to redeem her, but she had to step out in faith and believe that Boaz would do the right thing.
This is why we must step out in faith when God asks. It may be scary, we may have doubts, but we won’t let that deter us from doing the right thing. We know God will bless our faithfulness. Are you willing to fully trust God and step out in faith? Ruth did it, so could you. Trust God, pray for guidance, and step out of your comfort zone. You will be amazed by what God can do through your actions. Step out in faith because of the grace you have received.
How we respond to God when given an opportunity says a lot about our spiritual maturity and our character. Ruth, most likely loaded with concerns and doubts, says “all that you say I will do.” Ruth’s humility and character shine during this process. How have you responded when God has asked? Look at Boaz’s response to finding Ruth lying at his feet in the middle of the night. He embraces the opportunity and goes on a mission to settle Ruth’s situation as fast as he can. Character and integrity need to show up when God has a request for us. How can we say God is the most important relationship in our life but not step out in faith when requested to do so? Ruth is asking for a big thing. Redeem me, cover me, I need what only you can provide.
A redeemer, sound familiar? We are just like Ruth, we need a redeemer, someone to fix our sin problem. A problem that cannot be solved on our own. There’s no action we could take to remedy the situation. Redeem in this passage refers to deliverance of someone that had been sold for a debt. Our debt: sin. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid that debt for those who believe. Ruth needed and wanted Boaz to redeem her, but she had to step out in faith and believe that Boaz would do the right thing.
This is why we must step out in faith when God asks. It may be scary, we may have doubts, but we won’t let that deter us from doing the right thing. We know God will bless our faithfulness. Are you willing to fully trust God and step out in faith? Ruth did it, so could you. Trust God, pray for guidance, and step out of your comfort zone. You will be amazed by what God can do through your actions. Step out in faith because of the grace you have received.
Posted in Devotional