He's in the Details

Even when we don't see Him, God is working.

Our Bible study recently began looking into the book of Ruth. I’ve always loved a good knight in shining armor (or barley in this case) story, but it’s hitting slightly different this time around. The funny thing about Scripture is that it does that. Why? Because it’s “...living and effective…” and so it will speak to us differently throughout the different parts of our lives (Hebrews 4:12). God uses it to speak to our hearts.

In this case, my focus hasn’t been so much on Ruth and her loyalty or Boaz and his kindness and generosity. It has been on Naomi. The entire book begins with Naomi, her husband, and their two sons leaving the Promised Land. She and her family chose to walk out of God’s land and into pagan territory. It was supposed to be for a short time since there was a famine in the land, but it ended up being about ten years. While there, they broke some of the laws listed in Leviticus and ultimately her husband and both of her sons died. Instead of recognizing that she was choosing to be out of God’s protection and living in her own desires AKA sin, she blamed God. She said something along the lines of “God has made me very bitter” (Ruth 1:21). I think that’s relatable, right?

Because relationships are a two way street and require freewill, God gives us the ability to choose how, where, and what we want to do with our lives. He allows us to choose whether or not we will follow Him. In this specific case, when things got hard, Naomi and her family left. Some of us do that too. When things get hard, we immediately abandon God and all that He has done for us. Then we choose to wander aimlessly amongst our sin. Naomi serves as a reminder to us all to stay in God’s presence when we face hardship. However, even when we choose to leave the will of God and we pursue sinful things, Naomi also serves as a reminder that God can and will fix it when we return. The consequences remained: She didn’t get her husband back, but she was provided for. Her sons weren’t resurrected and brought back to life, but she did gain a daughter who was loyal. Her life was changed drastically, but God led her to the right place, and He still took care of her, sending her a “family redeemer” who provided. God’s still in the business of providing a redeemer, and for us, it’s not Boaz: It’s Jesus.

Friends, I’m not sure what you’re going through right now, but regardless of the season you’re in, there is so much to learn from the book of Ruth. It’s a short four chapters that is packed full of wisdom, correction, and proof of God. It also serves as a gentle and beautiful reminder that even when we can’t see God working, even when we feel bitter, He is in the details.

Have a great week, friends!

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