Good morning, John,
A couple of nights ago our family read the book of Ruth and studied all the good things-the purposes-that God had planned for Naomi, Boaz and Ruth. Even though it appeared that the famine, the deaths, the trials and the toiling were overwhelming, devastating and life shattering, it was God’s perfect plan. God used the famine to get Elimelech, Naomi, and their sons to Moab, where Ruth was learning to be a hard worker and dutiful woman. Boaz was in Bethlehem being a good steward of what God had put in his hand which prepared him to be in a perfect position to step in as near kinsman when the women came back to Israel.
God was laying out each piece of His master puzzle to give each one His very best because of their high standard and willingness to put their whole heart into whatever was given to them to do, no matter the circumstances. God was preparing for Obed, Jesse, and David, all the way to Jesus, to come through them. How could they have known each act of obedience was what God was looking for from them to bring His son through their lineage? How could they have imagined the impact their obedience during the good times and the trials would have on us who live today so we could have a real relationship with the Father and the Son with life in the Spirit?
It was so good and encouraging to be reminded to continue in well doing because our lives are not our own. Even though we can’t see very far down our own life’s road, we trust The One who is working all things together for our good. We can do our best daily so we will be in a position to be used by God to touch others He chooses to bring in.
Thank you for teaching us the Old Testament and how to slow down to read and take in the lessons hidden in there that make our lives fuller and sweeter.
Love,
Bess