Daily Encouragement

More words on work...

I'm on this kick with the subject of work recently because of the study on Ruth I'm leading with some awesome chicks and also with the Joseph study with some other awesome women--God's just drawing all this out, and it's amazing to me how He weaves lessons together to make sure we "get it."

Today's tidbit is generated from our study on Ruth. You know, I used to think this woman Ruth was just a righteous (but plain) woman I wasn't all that interested in--the book was short and didn't seem to really catch my attention. Over the last year, though, God has been revealing more of Himself through this tiny little set of chapters, and I'm so excited to share it with you.

Here's the breakdown: she's this destitute, recently widowed foreigner coming to Bethlehem with her newly widowed mother-in-law, Naomi--having nothing to show for their time in Moab. Ruth asks Naomi to allow her to go out and glean (pick up the left-overs) in the fields wherever she could. Ruth doesn't sit around and wait for God to drop in a care-package from the local food bank or go begging in the streets. No, Ruth says to her mother-in-law, "Let me go out into the fields to gather leftover grain behind anyone who will let me do it." (Ruth 2:2) And she goes out and humbly works her tail off! But she "just so happens" to find herself in the fields belonging to a man named Boaz, and God met her there and provided for her needs and the needs of her mother-in-law. You'll have to go to this short little book in the Bible to find out what happens next!

You will see how Ruth is noticed for her character and her work ethic. God met Ruth in the fields and poured out His blessings and favor on her, but the question is, would God have done the same thing for her if she had stayed home waiting for a hand-out, worrying about where they would find their next meal, or feeling sorry for herself?

Consider your own circumstances. Don't give up looking for work if you're currently unemployed or underemployed; don't give up hope. If God's calling you to a change in careers or is urging you to be content and do your best where you are--listen, talk with your family and step out in faith, and He will meet you--He will never leave you nor forsake you--even when the numbers just don't add up. What's the God of the universe speaking to you today?

Here is my prayer for you, dear sister:
"May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully" (Ruth 2:12) as you reflect the character of Christ in your day-to-day responsibilities and encounters with others.