Today, we’ll jump into Ruth’s story when she and Boaz first met.
Ruth 2:5-12 NLT
Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? … the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since …” Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
You must remember that quite often you are being courageous, but you can’t see it. … But others do. In fact, most often courage is something we experience but may not even recognize until later, once we are past the circumstance. God has a unique way of providing confidence when we don’t know it. Just like Ruth, there is a humility that coincides with that kind of courage.
Think for a moment about the last time you knew you exhibited strong confidence and courage. Did you know it at the time? Did you feel it? Likely not. You may not have seen it in the front windshield but now you clearly see it in your rearview mirror. But like Boaz with Ruth, others were encouraged by watching you have courage in a tough situation.
Listen again to Boaz’s words: “But I also know about everything you have done… I have heard … [so] May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:11-12 NLT) Whatever you are walking through today, remember that God is giving you confidence, not in yourself but in Him, to be courageous, not just for you, but for others. He sees you. He knows what you are doing. He hears you. And so do others. Your life is making a difference as you walk through every struggle.
Let’s pray: “Father, Thank You for Your confidence and Your courage. Help me to encourage others as you give me the confidence to press on. As above, so below.”