I’m grinning as I sit in the coffee shop typing this. Thankfully, there’s no one at the table facing mine.
I can’t help it. This story is why I can’t get enough of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because do you know who is declared royalty in the eyes of God? A poor Moabite widow gleaning barley. I can’t even stand it; I love this story so much.
Let me back up and explain. Here we have our dear Ruth, busting her tail in the barley fields in an honest effort to keep herself and her mother-in-law alive. She “happened” into the field of Boaz. And he “happened” to take notice of her. And (spoiler alert) all these little happenings will end with Ruth and Boaz at the marriage altar one day, a beautiful ending to an abrupt and terrible life twist.
The thing is, none of this was happenstance. The hand of a gracious God led Naomi back to Bethlehem and led Ruth to go with her. The hand of a gracious God led Ruth to Boaz’s fields that first day and turned Boaz’s heart toward the hard-working widow from a foreign land. What appeared as coincidence was God’s hand continually at work.
In the same upside-down way as the gospel, Ruth’s simple and consistent acts of faithfulness have Kingdom-size ramifications.
Ruth was not some long-time, super-religious believer who earned herself a spot in God’s capital-S Story (and even in the lineage of Christ!). She was just a young woman doing hard things because she believed it was what she was called to do. We don’t hear this in her words, but we see it in her actions. Her faithfulness is not bright and shiny; her work is not award-winning or perfectly planned. She was simply following God’s lead, taking the next right step.
Like Ruth, we cannot see our whole story, let alone His Story. We aren’t meant to. But we can follow God’s lead, knowing that our yeses to Him make a kingdom-sized difference, even when no one sees.
Are you sitting in a quiet apartment this morning, wondering if your next steps matter? Are you driving to an office where you’ll work tirelessly without thanks or appreciation, just like yesterday? Are you settling in for another day at home, serving little hearts in a million unnoticed ways?
Hear these words from Boaz to Ruth as my prayer over you today:
May the LORD reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.
—Ruth 2:12
And as you do the work set before you, know this: your small and steady acts of faithfulness are being used in big and beautiful ways in the kingdom of God.
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96 thoughts on "Boaz’s Kindness to Ruth"
Even when no one else sees my hard work God does. He sees my heart and character. May it be pleasing to Him.
Ugh, I love this.
When I was a teacher, I had to live with knowing that so much of my impact I’d never see. I had to trust that any goodness from Him to me to my kids would grow into a harvest I might (and probably would not) ever hear about. How often do we have no idea of our impact?
And Ruth was in the lineage of JESUS. The savior of the world.
It brings tears to my eyes. God’s hand is so beautiful.
He is in the ordinary. He is in the detail. And if we remember to look, his miracles are always there. Right there. Every day.
THANK YOU.
Day 3 done. Remembering God is providing through my decisions, and that he will never leave me.
My favorite line “ your small and steady acts of faithfulness are used in big and beautiful ways in the kingdom of god” ! This really challenged me this morning
Little steps of faithfulness today make the difference in our future. Lord, may I be like Ruth, willing to do the hard and unnoticed work to be faithful unto you
This warmed my heart so much and fascinated me. All those little steps lead to a love story
The beauty of it is both Ruth and Boaz was being led by God. Boaz was being obedient to God by allowing Ruth to gather the left over grain;seeing the reference verse in the book of Leviticus was a major eye opener for me. He showed an act of kindness to the widow woman, giving to the needy is something that God commands us to do. If he wasn’t a man being obedient to God or he just didn’t have God in his heart he could’ve been mean and abusive towards her but he commanded the young men in the fields not to touch her. Boaz fed her bread,and she was able to bring food home for her mother-in-law Naomi. These acts of kindness went a long way towards the bigger overall plan that God had for their future life. So for me I learned that every small step that we take in being obedient to God and following God’s lead no matter what the circumstance looks like God is always working things out for our greater good. Thank you for this beautiful, powerful devotional.
What beautiful reminders this morning!! God’s hand is continually at work in our lives even when we can’t see it. He has a purpose for us where we can bring Him glory & honor with our actions. We simply just need to say yes to Him and follow Him no matter where He leads. Wow!!
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There are times when I say “is it worth it when no one knows what I’m doing?” But God sees me and knows my heart. He rewards things done in secret (unnoticed by others) in His perfect time.
When I keep my mind and heart fixed on serving the ONE, all things are worth doing and doing them well.
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What a powerful reminder that obedience to the Lords plans, whatever that may look like, can bring his plan to fruition in more ways then we could ever understand.
Love it!
Amen!!!
The Lord is my Refuge!!! “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…if you say, ‘The Lord is my Refuge’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come to your tent…” Psalm 91 goes so beautifully with this passage and devotional! Faith over fear to take the next right step!!
My small and steady acts of faithfulness will be used greatly in Gods kingdom. This is so reassuring to hear.
This reminds me of his provision ever before I know I am in need. Thanks.
Refuge – more than just a “safe place”, but a place of abundance, of being filled up, of drinking from a stream – that means never ending. A place of favor, of overflowing kindness, and faithful love.
Yes! I still have my first Ruth book and was excited to go through Ruth again with anticipation of what God would show me this time. This time it’s been all about refuge – that place of abundance, of being filled up, refreshing. It’s been amazing!
sweet reminders!!
Susan Lincks love the comment “God does His work and it is not my right to question Him. I am to till in His garden of grace and mercy until He calls me home. Amen” and Amen
This was the encouragement I needed this morning. I’m a homeschool mom of three little ones and pregnant with number four and some days just feel like why am I even trying to teach them anything when they don’t seem to care. I just have to remember to stay faithful and trust that the little things I do are part of His Story.
I went to be perfectly planned I want to take the next 10 right steps rather than just one. Thank you Amanda for the reminder of being faithful to Gods call and taking the one next right step.
Just a balm to the soul.
Has anyone else been in SRT long enough to have done Ruth the first time. This was written years ago by Amanda. Very perplexed by recycling.
Everyday, I feel as though I just don’t have enough Praise to give to God for His Faithfulness! He is truly very faithful. My lips and my heart just want to praise Him all day long. Thank you, Lord, for your kindness.
I love that He knows what I need even when I often times do not!
The way God plans things, so meticulously and down to the last detail keeps me in constant awe. While on our journey to his plans, he is preparing our heart and redeeming us, so that we may be able to receive it.
Thank you Lord. I’m the one in the quiet apartment wondering if my next step matters. And oh how I can get lost in the many ways I think it doesn’t. But looking back at my life, the things I have prevailed over with you holding me up, I now see them as hope for people struggling. And if my next steps are to get up from my couch and ready myself for work and smile and know I am loved by the king of kings- then all that I have gone through, all that I am going through and all that I do matter immensely because you have brought me here and I will do it all with a joyful heart.
I’m struggling. I want a change in careers. I love teaching, but I want to do more in ministry. Yes, teaching is ministry in its own way but not the same. And this was exactly what I needed. I know God has more planned for me. I need to continue to dig deeper in his word and trust that he make the path that he wants me to take. I need to continue to be obedient, doing the job I am doing now with a joyful heart.
This was exactly what I needed. I know God has more planned for me. I need to continue to dig deeper in his word and trust that he make the path that he wants me to take. I need to continue to be obedient, doing the job I am doing now with a joyful heart.
I love this devotion! Thank you Amanda Bible!
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Such a wonderful devotion! Lynne I am praying for you and your husband.
Brooke P! I am so happy to see you here. When was the baby born ? So many praises for this!
I love Ruth! It’s such a good story and the prayer is a blessing.
Such a beautiful love story with an even bigger story of redemption…always have faith and be obedient to Gods word.
Beautiful! ❤
Amen❤️❤️
Brooke P- I am in the postpartum stage right now too. It is a challenging, wonderful, painful, and beautiful place. I love the thought that all of the little things I do to love on my little girls every day, has an eternal and big impact on them and the world around them. ❤️
Amen @BECKY KORTMAN. Beautiful insight!
What a sweet devotional. I love your communication style today Amanda, humorous, practical and deep. Thank you Amanda! “Are you settling in for another day at home, serving little hearts in a million unnoticed ways?” This is me right now, and joining with so many other courageous and selfless mommies on SRT who shared their raw struggles and victories. I feel so empowered to be part of this godly community, partaking the wisdom from our shared journey, seeing our steps going from glory to glory as we surrender to God, let Him bear our burden and transform us day by day. One step at a time, we make the right choice as God has told us to make, following the women in the Bible who also made the right choice in fiery trials of their own lives, as we learn to be faithful in little so we can be faithful in much, we will get there. Reading your daily commentary also keeps me and my thinking in check. You are my accountability person, for which I am indebted to you. Thank you dear sisters for being honest, truthful, kind, courageous and encouraging!
I learnt from Ruth today from how kind and loving she was to her MIL, a very bitter MIL may I add. This is extremely challenging. This is another level of sacrifice, of dying to self and bearing the cross. May I remember this example of Ruth, and may I remember that with God all things are possible, including enduring a bitter MIL. Be blessed dear sisters.
God. Sees. You. I love this simple statement from Churchmouse. But these three words have such a huge impact and make me feel not alone.
Thankful for this study.
Prayers for all you who have needs and so happy to hear your visit with your beau went so well. Continued prayers for you both.
BECKY KORTMAN, that is beautiful thank you! It touched my heart and stopped me in my tracks to offer up my thanks to my wonderful heavenly Father ❤️
We are all in the Lord’s field gleaning. Some of us are tending to runny noses and wet diapers, others are rushing to get healthy lunches made for the children as she gathers her keys and business bags as she rushes out the door, others struggling through health issues and fighting battles we never thought would happen, others of us are gathering up memories of those we have had to say goodbye to to soon, yet all of us continue to seek the refuge under the wings of the master and creator. May we all remember that we are called daughter by our personal Abba. He loves us and provides for us- the one who came to give us life, life to the full until it overflows like Ruth’s bundle of barley.
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Thank you Amanda! May I add, I love “He sees, He hears, He knows”, that spoke to me this morning. Prayers for all spoken and silent.
@Elaine… same here. Praying for a wholesome, worthy life ahead of me.
Niki, I applaud you and all the stay at home moms. I wish I could have been a stay at home mom but being a single mom that wasn’t possible. I know God has a special place in His heart for ALL the stay at home moms. My mother was a stay at home mom until I was about 10 or 11 years old — I’m the youngest of four and in my early 60’s.
Steadfastness and faithfulness are things I’ve only really come to appreciate in the last few years. I’m sure I don’t know the half of it, but as a single woman serving as a missionary at a Bible Camp.. people come and go. 7 years since I moved here and I’ve had more sudden and sad goodbyes than I want to think back through. Several hard times where I was asking the Lord if it was my time to leave. I had always thought the Lord just moves some people around every year or two and I was one of them. My job currently feels big and overwhelming, even though I know how to do everything I’ve been doing. This devo helped me feel seen by God as I have just been wearing myself thin lately. Even if I don’t have a revelation or epiphany, He sees me and strengthens me. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, not those who just work themselves to burnout in His name. I want to be the former!
God is always working in our lives even though we may not always see it. At the time Ruth was gleaning grain in Boaz’ field God was at work. Ruth, Boaz nor Naomi knew it at the time but that’s what makes the story so great.
Be blessed and look to see where God is working in your life sisters you never know what you might find out.
I am SUCH a planner that just taking the “next right step” is so hard for me! God has really been working in me to surrender and just take that next right step. To continue to be faithful and trust Him and His plan, rather than striving for goals, or affirmations. I love the story of Ruth, and this particular zoom-in on this part of the story has really resonated with me today.
MOLLY R – Thank you for sharing! What a beautiful experience.
Looking back at 33 years of taking care of my son, I realize God was watching. People would always say to me, “I don’t know how you do it”. But through God I was blessed with endurance, strength, patience, and provision. I have been missing him so much lately. It is coming upon a year soon. November 13th. A day that is etched in my mind…
I needed this reminder today.
I love how the measure of favor God showed Ruth in Ruth 2:4-17 is revealed through Leviticus 19:9-10. Ruth was the poor who should have gotten the least of the harvest or what was left over but the Lord showed great favor through Boaz allowing her to receive the best of the Harvest.
@Molly
That is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
@Niki-I wanted to encourage you today as a stay-at-home momma. It is the most important job you will ever have! After working 15 years outside the home, we made the choice for me to stay home with our 4 kiddos, AND homeschool them. It was definitely hard and sometimes I wondered WHY!? Why did you call me to this, Lord? And we barely had enough money for food each week! But God always provided, sometimes in crazy ways! So don’t give up! Keep up the good work! You are a young woman doing hard things, taking the next right step! And it may be years before you see the fruit of your labors, but God is faithful. Hugs to you ❤️
@Lynn from Alabama – praying this morning; cancer is such a horrible disease and causes such strange things. I see this in my own sweet hubby and answers are hard to find. Some doctors just want to throw meds at the problems rather than trying to find the whys. I have prayed for you and continue my prayers as you travel this journey. ❤️
The other day when I was out for a walk I was feeling a little “unseen.” It’s been kind of a stressful week with car trouble, and losing a cat and a rooster. And I wanted recognition for “all the things.” The homeschooling, the homemaking, the managing of the emotions and stress on the household with the losses this week, and the exercise I have been doing for a while now consistently (I have been trying so hard to lose weight and have been fighting the negative thoughts of my value being wrapped up in my appearance. After turning 40 this summer I got a full physical done and my blood work and had such positive news from it – I am very healthy, thank the LORD, but I don’t “look it” and have been so embarrassed from time to time – not proud of that, but there it is). It was a cloudy day, as I was out walking, and in a moment of kind of “whining” to God, all of a sudden the clouds parted and the sun shined down on me, just for a moment, and I felt goosebumps and an overwhelming feeling of being “seen” by God, in all the things I have been striving to do my best in. I knew instantly that my “audience of ONE” was seeing it all, and it mattered! It was a moment that humbled me and reminded me that I am seen, in “all the things” and I didn’t deserve that moment of grace and love, but I closed my eyes and basked in His presence, right there on the sidewalk. God is SO good in so many ways, but when He blesses us DESPITE our “whining”… I am so thankful to walk through this life by His side!
I love reading Ruth and I am always struck by Boaz’ kindness even before he speaks with Ruth. Even talking to his servants, I always get a kind of gentle strength from him. This book always gives me a sense of “slow down and take time to appreciate the blessings in life.” But also, this devotional today struck home with me. I like my job and remember when I was interviewing for it praying “God, if it is your will to get this job, let me get it because I can help a lot of people.” Three years later, I’m still in it, but honestly jaded at times. Yet I have to keep reminding myself that God put me here for a reason— to help others. And while some days it seems like knuckle dragging thankless job, I have God’s blessing to refresh me every morning and give it my all. I needed these words today.
NIKKI- praying that you will experience joy in your work today, knowing you’re ministering and feeding into the life of another witness for Christ. It is hard. And feels so mundane. But you’re leaving examples of Christ all over your little one each day.
LYNN FROM AL- praying for you and your husband. I can’t imagine how terrifying that must be for you both. Praying wisdom and direction and wise professional help for you- keep us posted
Good Morning She’s!
It is so crazy to think how all of our actions and everyday little things and also the big choices in life are all pieces of the puzzle to our personal life AND the bigger kingdom!! Our choice matter, big and small, personal and interactive. Sometimes life drags on and we don’t see it, and sometimes we know instantly the consequences of our choices- positive and negative! Oh how I pray I walk hand in hand with my Savior daily! He is my protector, my confidant, my redeemer and my hope. Hallejuh!
@Taylor Happy your visit went well and now he is the official bf!!
@Nikki Keep up the good work of mothering- it all matters! Feed into those little ones the Word of God!! Oh how it is needed in this crazy world of non-believers!
@Lynn Prayers for you and your hubby as you navigate!
@She’s Love you all and your wisdom!
I pray as I go help feed the homeless in the park tomorrow night that we will give them hope, love, and relationships.
Yesterday I listened to the podcast and loved it so much! I always learn so much from the guests and Amanda and Rachel! It amazes me how God orchestrates every single detail of every single thing! Prayers for all those petitions asked this morning!Taylor, so happy to hear things went well with your boyfriend’s visit! Again, God is in the details! And thanks for the birthday wishes, Michelle Patire-it was a most beautiful one!
I see the hand of God casting Ruth like a tiny seed into the field of Boaz. How a seed looks like a black speck of nothing, sown into broken ground, grows good things. I see the kindness of Boaz tending to the heart of Ruth. The providence of God flows with blessing as He orchestrates the genealogy of Jesus through His chosen people. These were King David’s great-grandparents! Boaz, the son of a prostitute (Rahab), and Ruth the daughter of an evil nation (Moab). Jesus the Messiah came from this broken ground. God’s perfection came through imperfect and unexpected people. Dark seeds and barren ground grew up a Savior bearing the branches of grace and mercy. The choices Ruth made were known. Boaz knew her story of faith and obedience, and he blessed her with an overflow of kindness (Ruth 2). My faithful choices matter. Father God, help me and shelter me under your wings. Remind me of Your unfailing love so that my choices sow seeds of goodness in the field where You have planted me. I want to tell a good story through my faith in You. Grow a harvest from the broken ground of my life. Let Your light shine through me and the things You will grow from my story. “For the wellspring of life is with You, by means of Your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9). May the name of Jesus be spoken over everything else. Bless us Lord. Keep us in Your will. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
A beautiful story of love and kindness shown by Boaz, and the faithfulness and love Ruth had for her mother in law. And too a beautiful reminder that God is our refuge and strength. He sees, He hears, He knows!
@Taylor – glad your time went well and you now have a boyfriend! Continued prayers for your relationship to grow in Christ.
@all my other dear sisters, praying for your requests this morning!
Love reading that Ruth’s simple & consistent acts of faithfulness have kingdom size ramifications. Always feel like I’m not doing as much as others but this is so encouraging that even the smallest things have huge rewards. Just following God’s lead
First day joining with you all in the Ruth study and I already love it so much! I noticed the word “refuge” popping up in the various readings today. When we go to God as our refuge instead of trying to figure things out on our own, we make room for His provision, protection, and guidance. May I look to the Lord as my refuge over myself.
I also loved the part in today’s devotion to “Follow God’s lead. Take the next right step.” Very fitting as my guy (now officially boyfriend) just went back to Texas last night. We had a great six days together, continuing to get to know one another and talk about what we want in a relationship/partnership. God really opened this door out of nowhere and watching how well my boyfriend gets along with my family and my roommate shows me that this is something to say “yes” to and walk into. Now praying that the Lord would grow our relationship rooted in seeking Him first, and that His will would be done. I hope everyone has a blessed day <3
I loved this commentary. She put a smile on my face and more importantly, my heart. God does His work and it is not my right to question Him. I am to till in His garden of grace and mercy until He calls me home. Amen
I love that Boaz married a non-Israelite, as his own mother was taken into Israel because of her own actions and beliefs in God- Rahab. And God using them, women and Non-Israelites at that, is amazing & so good!
So encouraging!!
As I reread Ruth 2:12 and the last paragraph from Amanda Bible Williams I had to remind myself these were words directly from God through His word and Amanda, and they were for me. Perhaps you are like me when you read these and in your subconscious mind you are thinking about others who would benefit from hearing these words, but do not actually believe they are for you. If so, reread them and use pronouns for you, (I and me.). Helps me so much to read them like that. (Or perhaps pray them over yourself.). God’s blessing on you today as you go about doing what God has set before you.
Why should God show mercy to Ruth? Because she has sought refuge under his wings. She has counted his protection better than all others. She has set her heart on God for hope and joy. Thank you God for being a God of mercy. Fill me with your joy.
This is such a beautiful story and I love Amanda’s writings. I was blessed to have 2 mother-in-laws. The anniversary of my husband’s mother’s death is coming up. This is a perfect way to remember her and honor her memory. SRT is a huge blessing. Thank you
@Lynne from Alabama– May God give you and Jack especially clarity… God please heal his mind and help the docs & family to recognize his physical and spiritual needs. Bring him close to You and satisfy what is broken, Lord. Please heal him, Jesus. Bring them wisdom and help them to understand what’s going on medically and physically that is creating such confusion. Thank you, Lord. Guide their steps and give them grace and support in this time. In Jesus’s name.
Happy belated birthday, Rebecca!!!
Lehua — catching up on your comments! May God continue to guide you in this transition. Your comment from today was a good reminder not to let pride overtake us when we know we’ve done a good job. I struggle with a similar sin. May God give us grace and continue to help our eyes fix on Him.
Good morning, She’s! I am in need of urgent prayer this morning. My precious hubby Jack has been struggling with confusion since his last surgery eight weeks ago. Recently it isn’t just confusion but delusions as well. When I returned from work yesterday he was having major delusions and I am really struggling as to what the next step is. Please pray for him to be healed physically and mentally and for me to have wisdom to know where to get help for him and strength both emotionally and physically to care for him. Thank you so much!
I really needed this today, especially that last line. “And as you do the work set before you, know this: your small and steady acts of faithfulness are being used in big and beautiful ways in the kingdom of God.”
Doing the right thing is always the best choice to make. There have been too many times in my life when I had the choice but didn’t make the right one. God has been working on my heart to make me recognize this and to correct it in me. I’m so grateful for that. As painful as it is to see yourself in a way you don’t like, I am glad the Lord wouldn’t leave me there. This study is so timely for me. Create a clean heart in me oh God and restore a steadfast spirit within me. ❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful reminder to keep the faith
Same. Is it time to move on? Nope, I am right where I need to be.
Boaz is such a foreshadowing of the character of Christ. It’s beautiful how he is faithful to the scriptures of Leviticus – something he would have known – and he acts our kindness and humility and grace just like Jesus did and expected others to do as well. It seems easy and simple for Boaz and I pray that my kindness towards others comes that way – rooted in scripture and without second thought.
I thank God for you Amanda Bible Williams! You always say just the right thing that helps us find understand in His Word.
Thank you for today’s message! What a blessing.
This is how Boaz showed kindness toward Ruth:
1. He protected her by having her stay in his field among his female servants & ordering the young men working in his field not to touch her.
2. He provided for her necessities by giving her food & water.
3. He knew what she had done for Naomi & why she was there in his field. He knew that she had left her own people to dwell among strangers.
4. He comforted & encouraged her.
5. He blessed her by giving her more grain than she should have gathered. He told his young men to allow her to gather behind them. He further instructed them to pull out grain & leave them on the ground so she could gather them.
6. He respected her as a human being. He had her work for her food, he did not just give her a handout. He treated her with dignity.
Boaz’s kindness mirrors the kindness Jesus shows us.
1. Jesus protects us by being our refuge & strength.
2. Jesus provides for our necessities—not just physically, but spiritually as well.
3. Jesus knows us. He knows what we have done, what we are doing, & what we will do. He sees the kindness that we show others.
4. He comforts & encourages us.
5. He blesses us with gifts of grace & mercy.
6. He respects our humanity & treats us with dignity.
I have always loved the book of Ruth ever since I was a little girl. I realized that I was His child and asked to be part of His family at a young age (6 years old). My mom made sure to tell me that when I made that decision that I was to follow God’s ways & not my own because I was His child.
I love that this story shows how God rewards faithfulness.
I have seen this truth in my own life so many times. Recently, I have seen it in how God has raised me into the position of children’s minister at our church because of the faithful volunteering I did in many areas of children’s ministry over the years. I see it in how the Lord helped me lose over 90 pounds because I have been faithful to walk in obedience to His call to take care of His temple by eating in a healthy way & to be more active.
As Galatians 6:9 says, “Do not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
Keep doing that which is good, my dear friends. Keep being faithful. God sees. God will reward in His good time.
Dear Niki DeLeon, you are blessed today to be with your little ones. The days may be long and without thanks, but know YOU are doing the Lord’s work.
Ruth 2:12 is such an encouragement. He calls us and He cares for us in ways we can’t explain.
Sitting here with tears streaming down my face because I feel so seen this morning. “Are you settling in for another day at home, serving little hearts in a million unnoticed ways?” The role of mom is an important one and it’s not easy, but staying home and “momming” 24/7 is tiresome, thankless (mostly), and constant. My frustrations have been steadily increasing for several weeks now and I’ve been steady praying that God send relief, lighten my load, or allow me to find a way to get our youngest in daycare and provide a job for me (as we live in the literal middle of nowhere). And these words hit me hard this morning. I KNOW God is working and I KNOW whatever is going to happen will happen in His time. God has been giving me Ruth to study again and again over the last few months and it’s not by “happenstance” either. Thank you for your words this morning, Amanda!!
How amazing it is to connect Boaz’s actions toward Ruth to the verses in Leviticus on leaving some of the harvest for the poor and resident alien. It not only shows Boaz’s obedience, but also God’s compassion in action through His law. Amen!
Thank you Amanda Bible Williams, for another beautiful devotional today. The end of the reading brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes: “Hear these words from Boaz to Ruth as my prayer over you today:
May the LORD reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.
—Ruth 2:12
And as you do the work set before you, know this: your small and steady acts of faithfulness are being used in big and beautiful ways in the kingdom of God.”
Ladies, remember that what we do matters. I’m finding myself battling my pride as I prepare to leave my current workplace and transition to a new one, wondering if I truly made a difference here and if my absence will be felt. In some ways I know my position is replaceable and they will move on, and I do hope that for the company as well. I want us all to transform into something better. But a small part of me also wants to know that I made a difference there (pride speaking, mostly). But God… He humbles me and reminds me that what I do matters… To Him. And that I will find the most satisfaction in focusing on Him through it all, and making Him my audience of One.
Thank God for such a timely study. And thank you ladies for your prayers, I felt the grief lifting a bit today and I even experienced some moments of courage and joy <3
I needed this exact word today. I’ve been struggling with my job and if I should be where I am. This was confirmation that I’m where I’m supposed to be.
This hit me in the same way as I am struggling at work having those exact thoughts. I now know that God has me here for a purpose and that’s to be a light.
This was encouraging to read when being a teacher has become so difficult to enjoy. Between the trainings, meetings, etc there is so little time to plan during contract hours and I am finding myself working late & becoming stressed everyday. I know this is where God wants me, but I have been having a hard time lately.
As a young mom I so often I would turn to this verse in Ruth. Now as I watch our two daughters parent their littles I pray this verse over them. Parenting is hard and priceless work, often not applauded, not rewarded with a monetary increase, not even always seen. But God makes note of every selfless action, every kind word, every thoughtful discipline. Parents are tasked to keep this little human alive so that they would find favor with God and man. No. Small. Feat.
No. Insignificant. Calling.
God. Sees. You.
Indeed, may I be found “simply following God’s lead, taking the next right step” today.
BROOKE P – so happy for you! Welcome back.
MARI V – praying the Lord will help you in your class
HEIDI – how is your daughter? Your niece? Praying for you and your husband to have clear understanding of the Lord’s leading for the next step.
Amen ❤️
So encouraging!!
Amen ♡