Read Ruth 2:1-23.

No matter where life takes us, God is in control. He is sovereign, and His Word promises that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Not just some things. Not just the areas where we feel comfortable. No, God is working for our good in all things.

When Ruth went out to glean barley in one of the nearby fields, she was seeking God’s provision. She had learned the Old Testament Scriptures from her mother-in-law, so she knew what God said in the book of Leviticus: “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. . . . Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God” (19:9-10). Ruth was poor and a foreigner, so she knew this provision in God’s Word was for her and went to gather food.

God is always working behind the scenes to bless those who trust in Him, and so He brought Ruth not to any old field in Bethlehem but to one belonging to Boaz, a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelek. Boaz understood that everything he had belonged to God. He saw himself as a tenant, a steward of the Lord’s bounty. So, he blessed Ruth and gave her free rein of the field, not just the corners. He offered her protection and gave her water to drink. You see, compassion begets compassion. It was compassion that led Ruth to accompany Naomi back to Israel, and it was compassion that motivated Boaz to meet Ruth’s needs.

When Ruth met Boaz, she identified herself as a foreigner, but Boaz looked at her and called her “daughter” (Ruth 2:8). This is a picture of grace if there ever was one. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). When we were strangers, God called us His children. When you and I were totally unaware of God’s love, His love reached out for us in the midst of our pain. So, when life is hard, hold onto the faithfulness of God. Even when you feel that you are in a freefall, His everlasting arms are underneath. He will never let you hit the ground.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for dying for me. Thank You for calling me Your friend. May I remember Your goodness to me and trust that You will never leave me. Armed with this Truth, may I walk fearlessly in this life to the glory of Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek” (Ruth 2:3).

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