Have you ever found yourself in a situation where all you could do was wait? I have––and it’s not my favorite. There are times we wait for news from the doctor. Many of us have waited to hear if we got the job, got into our college of choice, or even waited to hear if our babies were healthy.
It’s there in the in-between where the results are no longer up to us. All we can do is ask, pray…and wait.
It’s tough to fully comprehend the grief, loss, and discomfort that Ruth and Naomi must have walked through. Displaced and left with nothing, they had to completely rely on the generosity of others and trust that God would take care of the details.
In today’s reading, Ruth goes to Boaz and asks him to be their redeemer. He gives her shelter and a generous portion of food to take home to Naomi (Ruth 3:15). But when it came to the answer that would determine their future, she had to wait.
Can you imagine the sadness, anxiousness and fear of not knowing who would protect you, or how you would even survive? And yet when Ruth returns to Naomi, she too tells Ruth simply to wait.
My daughter, wait until you find out how things go, for he won’t rest unless he resolves this today.
—Ruth 3:18
After Ruth stepped forward in faith, her responsibility was to wait. In the middle, when she didn’t know the details, God was working all along. I love that in this story, and throughout Scripture, we’re given guidance on how to wait for God’s wisdom and timing. I know I need these reminders more than I care to admit! We are called to “trust the LORD and do what is good” (Psalm 37:3), to not be frustrated when evil people succeed (v.7), and to rejoice always and not worry about the future (Philippians 4:4–6).
While we wait, we can remember that the Lord establishes our steps (Psalm 37:23), He is a God of justice, and He does “not abandon his faithful ones” (v.28).
So where and when in our lives have we been desperate like Ruth and Naomi? When has God been our only possible answer? That’s where we will come to know and trust Him even more.
If you are waiting today, you may feel anxious. You may feel vulnerable. But remember that vulnerability is often where God does His greatest work.
What a great way to look at waiting! God is working in the waiting, so I have nothing to fear or worry about. I love this reminder!!!
❤️
Amen. Waiting is always the hardest part for me. Love this devotional ❤️❤️
I take comfort in knowing that everything will be resolved in God’s time. To my disadvantage I often rush and hurry processes and I’ve plan. And this word probably contradicts what our societal environments say but nevertheless it stands as truth. Waiting in the Lord is the precursor to a resolved life. Father help me to embrace this truth and to discipline my mind and thoughts to wait on you.
Lord please move radically in the heart of Lauren’s husband. I pray he would hear and see clearly how much you love him and how much you desire to be in relationship with him.
Amen, Terri. I know what your saying, I felt as though I was looking in a mirror. Thank you for sharing. God bless everyone of you ladies. ❤️
Even though waiting seasons are so hard, I have found that oftentimes I can be closer to God in the waiting then when I am walking in an answered prayer. While I know this shouldn’t be the case, I will say that waiting seasons have helped me grow and they have also helped me see the character of God and His consistency. He is faithful.
Love this line from Abby: If you are waiting today, you may feel anxious. You may feel vulnerable. But remember that vulnerability is often where God does His greatest work.
Waiting man…that is something I know well. Do I wait well? Not always! I am in a waiting season now- waiting to move and buy a home, waiting for the business to really take off, waiting for a spouse. I know God is faithful in all things, and I know that waiting isnt passive, it is actively trusting that God will take care of me. When I find myself worrying or doubting while I wait, I try to remember the times that God led me and got me to where I am. It helps so much.
Praying for all who have prayer requests-God hears you, knows your needs and will provide for you.