Wait And Trust In God When Plans Encounter Unexpected Obstacles
BRD REFLECTIONS
Ruth 3 and Psalm 78:1-39 (NIV)
Koh Geok Cheng, Finance Chairperson, Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS))
READ:
Ruth 3 and Psalm 78:1-39 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Ruth 3, Naomi made plans for Ruth, her daughter-in-law to marry again, to be provided for and looked after by Boaz, a relative or kinsman-redeemer, to preserve their family legacy. After Ruth’s husband died, Ruth had been faithfully following her mother-in-law, Naomi. Now Naomi had good plans for Ruth, so she carefully instructed Ruth to go near to Boaz one night. Ruth agreed and did everything as Naomi instructed. (“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. Ruth 3:5-6)
However, it turned out that there was another nearer kinsman-redeemer other than Boaz. Boaz told Ruth that he had to let the nearer kinsman-redeemer redeem her but if he was unwilling, then Boaz would do it.
Ruth went back to tell Naomi what had transpired between her and Boaz and Naomi told her to wait to see what would happen.(Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” Ruth 3:18)
APPLY:
Like Naomi, we want to make good plans for our children and ourselves. However, situations may not proceed as we planned when we encounter something unexpected. In this case, there was an obstacle: a nearer kinsman-redeemer who should be the one who should redeem Ruth instead of Boaz.
Instead of allowing these unexpected obstacles to affect us and cause us to worry, be anxious and take things into our own hands, we need to wait upon God and trust in His leading and guidance, which was how Naomi counselled Ruth.
DO:
I need to seek God’s will in making plans. I will wait upon God and trust in Him even when things don’t go the way I planned. I need to remember that God has promised good plans for me, better than what I expect.
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
PRAY:
Dear Father God, thank You for the good plans You have for me. Forgive me for being anxious, worried and doubting You at times when things don’t go the way I planned when I encounter unexpected obstacles. Help me to keep my eyes on You at all times, seek Your will in my plans, wait upon You, trust in You, Your timing, Your directions and Your provision, always believing that Your ways, thoughts and plans are far better than mine for Your purpose and glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
