Article By : Alexandra Latten
Author: Alexandra Latten
CHICAGO, IL – I just finished reading the story of Ruth, one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible. Yesterday at work, three year old Payton prophesied, after we read several fairy-tales, that I too am a princess. And not just that, I’d one day dance with my prince at a ball. I was so moved by the purity of her thoughts, I teared all up. Somewhere over the years I had left behind the little girl I once was. I lost, growing into an adult, the yearning for happy endings and had convinced myself that a series of bad mistakes had disqualified me from receiving God’s best. Repented and dedicated my life to Christ, I still thought that I forfeited my right to God’s promises. Payton, and her most favorite fairy-tale Cinderella, reminded me of Ruth’s story and so I opened the Bible today and started to read this lovely story.
Ruth had her share of hardships. She became a widow and after her husband died, her brother-in-law and father-in-law died as well. She had left the land which she came from, and she loved her mother-in-law so much that she decided to stay with her. She was a stranger in a foreign land and was just doing the best she could to honor her mother-in-law, Naomi, and God. She lived a life of hardships, yet she believed in more. To survive and in search for food, she goes out to glean the fields following the people who are harvesting. She ends up gleaning in the field owned by Boaz, her deceased father-in-law’s brother. Ruth didn’t know who Boaz was, but a report of all that Ruth had done for Naomi had been given to him. Ruth became noteworthy to Boaz and I think he found that irresistible.
” So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” Ruth 2:8-9
Ruth, however, questioned Boaz, as to why she as a foreigner had found his favor. Boaz answered,
“I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” Ruth 2:11-12
This humbling field experience, served as a reaping ground for Ruth.
Like Ruth, I also have felt many times that my past, my weaknesses, my poverty and my status, made me less worthy and valuable. Yet, Boaz “noticed” Ruth. He understood that Ruth was more than her past misfortunes and present dire circumstances. He honored the woman she was within. I truly believe God wants for us to see the story of Ruth as an example of how He “notices”, loves, and redeems each of us, especially when we can’t find His promises and purposes in our trials and tribulations. Ruth lacked so many things, the right background, position, wealth… Yet, she obtained favor. She was loved by Boaz wholeheartedly and he willfully provided, protected, covered, prayed, and in the end redeemed her. Ruth obeys and becomes the faithful wife of Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Through God’s preeminent design, she becomes the ancestress mother for the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ.
If you are in the midst of a situation that seems to be beyond your ability to endure, remember that God can bring hope to your darkened light in a mighty mighty way. The past doesn’t determine your future! To the woman who feels that your current situation is so dire and your past so shameful, and that no one is equipped to love someone like you – be encouraged! Do not ever feel like you’re not good enough! What God did for Ruth, He’s able to do for you. Like Payton’s pure thoughts, you too, are a princess. You can wear a crown as well.
May you be inspired.
Live Beautifully! Your sister in Christ, Alexandra
http://www.tony-tate.com
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