Hello friends!
These past few weeks as I have been studying the book of Ruth with you guys, I have learned so many nuggets of truth through God's Word. Isn't it great that as we draw near to God He draws near to us! James 4:8 tells us this. I am humbled everyday that you can come empty to the throne of God but you wont leave that way. He refuels our life. I know I have let my tank get low to empty for sure. God will fill us up if we get quite with Him. He gives abundantly more than we can imagine.
So I wanted to share some of these encouraging thoughts I had from studying Ruth. Kinda what God revealed to me over these past few weeks.
1. God is our hope in seemingly hopeless situations. I mean Naomi and Ruth were left widows with no help. They trusted God, turned to Him. They did not turn to the world or other Gods.
2. Find God in our situations and circumstances instead of searching for a new circumstance, or situation. We often ask God to give us "what we think we deserve" like change our job, move us from this situation to another. Although there are situations in life I believe God does move us from and to. I believe God wants us find contentment in Him first. He is saying, Find ME.
I mean don't you think if you were a widow and left to find a family redeemer, food and provisions you would be praying for change of circumstances too? I think Naomi and Ruth were content to trust God through the season they were in even though it was hard. We are not promised a easy road to walk in faith that is for sure but God did tell us He would be walking with us and we can find our refuge in Him. I loved the references to Gods wings being our covering for refuge and hiding place in times of need. Like Ruth asking Boaz to be her redeemer and cover her. That is what our Redeemer Jesus Christ does for us.
Here are a few scripture references to check out regarding this. See.. Psalm 36:5, Psalm 17:8, and Psalm 91:1
3. God also tells us that He will not slumber before He takes care of your need. See Psalm 121:3
Like Boaz vowed to Ruth in Chapter 3, God vows to take care of our situations. We must have faith and trust in the waiting. I know many of us feel as though the waiting is too long and hard to bear but I too am waiting on God to move in a life close to me and it may take a lifetime. God is the only one that bring change in hearts. That doesn't mean we give up on the situation, others or on God. We keep believing and trusting! God Never gives up on us.
4. "Encourage one another as long as its called Today!" Hebrews 3:13
That is exactly what Naomi did for Ruth when they found out they had family redeemer. She explained to Ruth what to do before she went to Boaz. She also, helped her to go boldly to him. God will give us confidence and in Hebrews 4:16 He says approach His throne with confidence. I like to refer to it as "Christ Confidence" because He is where any confidence I have in sharing with you the gospel comes from. It is from Jesus Christ. Ruth had that confidence and boldness. She didn't shy away from diligently working and doing the duties set before her.
I shared more over on my Facebook Live video tonight if you are a follower there. I hope this encourages you or maybe encourages you to search the scripture in Ruth this week along with us as we continue on to Chapter 4 for our final week of bible study in the
"Knit the Gospel into your Heart" bible study group
This is a free online private bible study group I created for women to study the Word and find encouragement together. Feel free to join any time! Our next study will not be until 2019.
Although if you follow me on my Facebook page, my husband, the preacher and I pop on sometimes for what we like to call "Jesus and Coffee" chats:) See you there!
I hope have a great week and find rest in the Almighty.
blessings,
trAcy
