Sit Still. Ruth 3:18. “Then said she, ‘Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he has finished the thing this day.’” Time feels slow when you're unsure of what comes next. “Is it going to be okay, or is the next kinsman going to reject me?” Through life's trials, we learn to trust that, in every situation, everything is known by the Lord. There are things we must do, protocols to follow, and pressures and challenges that are hard to handle. That’s to be expected in the walk of faith when we trust God for the best outcome. People have their rights, and we can’t ignore them. Often, how an event ends depends on how we start.
Allow the other person to speak and be polite while listening to their argument before dismissing or ignoring them. Your turn will come when you are ready to present your case. They will observe your face carefully to gauge if you are sincere or if there's a hidden reason for seeking them out, knowing it’s not just to please them. When an issue requires attention, don’t delay. There is an appropriate time, and that is when the matter is fresh in everyone's mind. In handling such issues, “the sooner, the better.” “Don’t jump the gun,” but also don’t delay unnecessarily.
When decisions are made, make sure you are present to bring God's truth into the situation and speak clearly His mind so everyone understands His intention. When the issue is resolved, each person will know the best decision has been made, and everyone can move forward, fulfilling God's purpose and plan for each individual's life. A peaceful resolution was reached to prevent unnecessary conflict.
Waiting patiently for results beyond our control is difficult when important events occur. Staying out of the process isn't easy. The issue is that impatience stems from our sense of self-importance, pride, and lack of faith. Pride makes us believe we're important, and self-importance gives us false confidence. This false confidence, in turn, leads to impatience. Sometimes, life's problems seem so complex that we worry and complain even when we can't change the situation. During those times, waiting becomes especially challenging.
The night scene when Boaz accepts Ruth's proposal is very dramatic, but there is an issue. Another kinsman-redeemer with a closer connection to Naomi had a stronger claim to Elimelech's land, which should have been passed to Mahlon, Ruth's husband. He had to wait until morning to settle the matter legally. Would she marry Boaz, or would she become another man's wife?
Ruth left early while it was still dark so she wouldn't be easily recognized. The darkness could help keep her nighttime visit a secret. Boaz also shared her concern for secrecy, fearing a scandal might entrap them. He wisely devised a plan to solve the problem. Using her shawl as a container, the load of grain she carried would let anyone see that she was either working very late or very early. An industrious woman working long hours to care for her mother-in-law was seen as virtuous. This was not a deceitful act but a practical way to handle a potential issue.
Using common sense when handling sensitive issues is crucial for us to practice in any situation. We can be patient when we understand that what is happening is God's concern as well as ours. He does not fail us. He cares about what happens to us. "All things work together for good to them who love God." A patient believer knows that God desires the best for us and waits for divine intervention to resolve matters beyond our control. Despite what speakers tell graduates, we can't do everything. We all have our limits, whether we like to admit it or not. There are some things for which we simply need to wait patiently.
Naomi was waiting for the outcome of her plan. Ruth had told her everything that had happened and all the details. In the gift of grain, Boaz assured Naomi that he understood her desires and wanted to reassure her of his genuine concern. She would not be "empty" again. One way or another, she would have an heir. Ruth also needed to be patient. She had insisted on coming to Bethlehem. She took the initiative to go out and glean grain for food. She had carried out Naomi's plan, and now she had to wait. There was nothing more she could do about this matter, so she had to stay put until Boaz did his part. Naomi knew Boaz well, better than Ruth did. She told Ruth that "the man will not rest until this matter is settled." It was in Boaz's nature to take care of business and follow through on his promises. He was not distracted from his goal.
Patience relies on God's commitment and His concern. God's actions are complete and final; He doesn't need to re-commit Himself to finish something. Our waiting is determined by God's ordainment, not a minute longer. It might be that His plan, which we wait for, is fulfilled after we are gone. People who are true to their word follow through to the end. God is concerned and committed to His people; it is in God's character to do what He says. Our Kinsman-Redeemer can be trusted completely, but that doesn't mean we won't have to wait. Patience is based on the assurance that God is faithful to His Word.
God fulfills His promises on His own timetable. Sometimes, the light is green, and we can move forward. Sometimes, it is yellow, warning us to prepare to stop. When it is red—just wait. It may be God's will that we patiently wait for the rest of our lives. That does not mean He has forgotten us, but that His work is happening on a different schedule than ours.
We didn't expect it to take so long, but our Blessed Lord knows what is best for us. If we follow His plan, we won't go wrong by waiting patiently. In comfort and peace, we will find rest. If we had our way and acted impulsively, the outcome might be wrong. All we've done could have been wasted because God couldn't bless the way we chose. In patience and quietness, keep your soul steady. Wait until God decides to act in accordance with His plans and purposes. As His way becomes clear to us, we can move forward, not backward.
Then, we can claim the promises and blessings He offers that far exceed what we ask or imagine. His sovereign plans are not ours; they are what truly matter. They will bind us to Him with an unbreakable connection. Others deserve our attention and help, and they may receive the recognition they merit. The arrogant and prideful people will strongly oppose God’s will because they prefer to be well-known rather than serve. Those who understand self-sacrifice will not resent praise and thanks for those who are shy. With respect and dignity, they will represent what matters most to God, not men.