To continue this weekly Bible study, read Ruth 2 and come back here! In this chapter, Ruth has to get food somehow so she can survive with Naomi. She decides to start collecting fallen grains in the field. If she went to the wrong field, this probably could've been dangerous. There's a point in the chapter where Boaz tells the men working in the field to not humiliate her. If he had to tell them this, that probably means it did happen in some places. After Ruth works the whole day, she comes home to Naomi and she brought about 26 quarts of barley. That's a lot!
You might think that there's not really anything to learn from this but actually you'd be surprised. Did you have to do sething that's scary and new this year? Maybe you started at a new school or moved to a different house. Maybe something that seems simple, like joining a club, was a challenge for you. There is always something new and scary that begins at this time of year.
Like you, Ruth was beginning work with a bunch of random strangers. I can picture her praying thanks to the Lord after she got home and celebrated with Naomi. I mean, she didn't know what was going to happen or whether she would actually get enough food from this or not. She was just trusting the Lord.
Look at what happens while she's out at the field! She is speaking to the owner and this is what he says, “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
Imagine what it must of been like hearing those words from a stranger. That's insane! I'm sure it meant a lot to her.
Here are some questions for you to think about. This probably seemed a little short but I think these questions will tie everything together.
1. What are you doing that's requiring a lot of trust in God or bravery from Him?
2. Have you currently been praying for favor with that?
3. How are you using this new thing to glorify God?
I'm praying that you will have a rewarding year this year. I have a feeling that the Lord will bless you :) It may be hard right now but don't lose hope. Remember, this favor only came to Ruth after a long day of hard work. So don't give up if it gets hard, turn to God for strength. Just trust Him.
Bye guys! Kiki