Ruth 2:17-3:5
Protector and Provider. So how are you liking Ruth so far? I'm loving reading and learning from this book, and in today's (Wednesday's) reading I especially enjoyed seeing how God was involved and in control of it all. In the second half of chapter 2 where Ruth returns home and tells Naomi all about her eventful day, it was so evident, as an outsider looking into this story, that God had Ruth and Naomi right in the middle of his hands, providing for and watching over them. Yet, I'm not entirely certain that at this point, either of them fully realized this yet.
What I then realized is that Ruth and Naomi aren't too different than I am at times. Do you ever find yourself making your plan, following it and when it's all said and done you step back, the light comes on and you're like Wow, God really took care of me here? Now I'm not saying that I don't know and recognize that God is in control; I'm just saying that there are times when I seem to have a memory lapse about the extent of His control and my complete need for Him.
So how can we work on this? What are some ways we can keep at the forefront that God has us covered and that we are really working His plan? Tami W.
For me this is a tough one. I've observed when my life's path is calm it is easy to NOT see God's plan. When my life's path is stormy, those are the times God's plans are clearer and I listen to Him more. Keeping a journal or diary helps me by allowing another look back and experiencing yet another "aha" moment. So, the struggle for me is to be in tune to God through the good times just as much as the bad times.
Enjoy your day!
Linda, I like your idea of keeping a journal. Another way is to always keep reading God's Word. Dr. Woodrow Kroll keeps telling us to keep in His (God's) Word. He will not fail us. In our quiet moments listen for Him, listen to what He is telling us. Do not interrupt Him listen and learn.
God bless you all.
A journal is a good idea. Also we can leave a "stone." This means some kind of reminder about what God did for us. The Israelites were instructed to do this in the Old Testament. They were also instructed to teach their children about what the stones meant. Personally (it might sound silly) but I have a couple of small angel statues in my apartment. They remind me that God's messengers (the angels) are watching out for me every minute of every day.
A journal is a great idea. However, I always forget to write in one. I should look into an online journal and if I ever wanted to print some of it out, I can.
With so many tasks each day to do, many times I am caught up in the "to do list" instead of sitting back and listening to God. Usually on the weekends are my winding down time and is when I am more in tune to God. Another way that helps me during the week is below...
At my work, we are allowed to use headphones to listen to music etc. So what I do is use my Mp3 player and put sermons on it. I get them from various Christian programs and also Back to the Bible. By hearing God's word throughout my work day.. I am more relaxed and I learn a lot. I work with accounts all day and we do not handle customers so that is why we get to have headphone/music etc. I am very thankful that God has put me at this job as it allows me to listen to His word more often.
I think Naomi is an amazing woman herself. The fact that her daughter-in-law was willing to follow her anywhere and leave her own family tells me that Naomi must have been an extraordinary woman. Not too many daughters-in-law would do that. There must have been something special about Naomi.
Joan and Carol I really enjoyed reading your posts today .... Great thoughts!!