“PURSUING GOD’S WILL”

Week 4
Main Point and Overview:   

The Will of God is worth “giving everything that you have” to experience! Sometimes, God lays out for us an opportunity that is meant just for us. In this moment, he exposes how serious we actually are about pursuing this opportunity. Boaz was a man of passionate integrity and compassion. He saw Ruth as a special lady who was worthy of his time, attention, and provision. There is no doubt that he must have noticed her beauty, but in reality, he was more attracted to her character (as proven by his praises of her in God’s Word). He wholeheartedly believed that it was God’s Will for him to marry her, providing for her and her family for years to come. So, he called for a meeting at the town gate with the very people who were before him in the line of succession of the Jewish kinsman-redeemer responsibility (as previously explained in last week’s sermon description). At first, it didn’t appear as if he would be able to marry Ruth, but after some discussion, circumstances changed, and she would become his wife. He never gave up, and God blessed his effort. What’s truly amazing about this story is that Ruth went from being a poor foreign girl to being in the genealogical line of Jesus Christ. She would be the great-grandmother of King David. What an amazing “turnaround” for a couple of women who lost their husbands, their security, and their joy…except Ruth never lost her joy! She stayed faithful to Naomi, and over time, God provided. Her faithful impact on her mother-in-law led to Naomi’s joy being restored. Once filled with bitterness and frustration, Naomi could now see God’s gracious plan being played out in his perfect timing. Can you imagine having that kind of impact on your family because of your steadfast faith in God no matter what circumstances came into your life? Realize that the most important thing that you can ever do with your life is to pursue the Will of God in your prosperity as well as in your pain. God never promised you an easy life, but he did promise you purpose, joy, and contentment when you “follow after” him. So many times, we are quick to wallow in bitterness, but God demands more of us. He requires that we trust him, and that we pursue the “next step” of his will, choosing to be “better not bitter” in the glorious process.