Ruth 1-4

I am thankful today that we get to dive into the book of Ruth (1-4).  It's a breath of fresh air during Israel's rocky time of Judges.  We meet Naomi.  She has lost her husband and her two only sons.  She returns home to Bethlehem after living in Moab for a while to escape famine.  She would have been all alone if it weren't for her faithful and loving daughter-in-law, Ruth.  The two of them have a special bond.  And together, with God's help, they grieve and make the best of a really bad situation.  We are able to see God's hand at work through Ruth and Boaz.  The two cross paths and end up getting married and having children.  Their life together becomes part of King David's family line, another one of God's big and purposeful plans.

This story has so much good going on despite tragedy.  Our loving God of hope has a purpose and a plan.  I can't help but notice that His timing, His meetings, His settings are no accident.  They are divine appointments.  That's powerful to realize.

When we keep our hearts open to God (even in the face of hardship and loss), He is able to use acts of kindness as a catalyst for transforming our lives with His redeeming grace.  

Look at Ruth.  Her life is no coincidence.  It's full of divine providence, and it seems to be very dependent on her willingness to love kindness despite her pain.

10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

Ruth 3:10-11

How about you?  Have you ever looked back and realized that God blessed you with a divine appointment?  Did kindness have anything to do with it?  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank You for guiding me and blessing me with divine appointments.    Help me to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with You so that I can live in Your great purpose for my life.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.