By Pr Michael Kintu
It might not be about how much you work, or the amount of time invested in or resources, but God’s favor that makes all the difference at the end of the day.
The story of Ruth is a story of a woman who went out to find food for her mother-in-law and herself.
These two women had just come back to Bethlehem empty.
Life had so happened to these two women in the land of Moab, where they had run for help in a season of famine.
In the process of time, all the men in their lives had died, leaving no hope of a future in the land of refuge.
Ruth’s mother-in-law (Naomi) had heard that God had remembered her people back in Jerusalem. Thus, she decided to return home to her own people.
Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”
We see Ruth’s unwavering decision to hold onto her mother-in-law at all costs.
So Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi: “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favour.” Naomi permitted her to go to the field (Ruth 2:2).
This is when we see Ruth deciding to step out in faith, trusting in the God she had become fond of.
Divine providence leads her into the field of a man called Boaz where she gleans wheat for the day.
She returns home that day with a bucket full as well some interesting testimonies of the goodness of God.
The pressure of life can be so challenging, especially when we lose our loved ones, just like Ruth and Naomi.
Life had looked like a dead end for them. In my part of the world, if you lose a husband, and your daughter-in-law loses your son (her husband), it is considered a curse and both of you are held with suspicion.
This was the fate of these two women. Their neighbours might have suspected that they had a misfortune on their lives.
But their only remedy was God, the only one who would become their defence in times of loss and need.
Step of faith
In verse 2, Ruth moves out to work. This is when she finds the people that would later bless her life. God blesses the steps of faith.
Just like the four lepers in 2Kings 7:3-20, self-pity did not work for them until they took a step of faith, and moved to work for Boaz.
In order to tap into God’s favour, you need to take the first steps of faith just like Ruth did.
Self-pity does not solve problems, it only leads to depression and more pain.
As Ruth stepped out to the field, the young men had known her and where she was coming from.
Her humility attracted their favour. Being able to connect with people, both in lower places and high places is very important for success.
Being social and active attracts opportunities. Prepare for that opportunity before it strikes.
If Ruth had sat down and waited for the second chance, she would have lost it.
She had to be ready for those opportunities, actively participating in the field. You reap what you sow.
Boaz recognised her biggest strength as a hard worker. She had worked and her testimony stood in for her.
This trait created a way for her to find favour from Boaz, and eventually turns her life around.
What you sow is what you reap. She never abandoned her mother-in-law and now she was reaping the fruits of her labour.
Let us do good to others, build a history we are proud of. When Boaz looked at her testimony, he never doubted whether Ruth was a good woman.
Sometimes you might never tell what God has in store for you, but when you believe and do your part the best way, His favour will go with you.
Blessings!
The writer is the lead pastor at House of Revival, Kisasi
michaelkintu@gmail.com
