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.’”
SIT STILL. Time passes slowly when one is not sure what happens next. “Is it going to be okay, or is the next kinsman kind of vexed?” But through the trials of life we learn to rest assured – That in every circumstance, everything is known by the Lord.
There are things to do and protocol to follow – Even pressures and challenges that are hard to swallow. However, that is to be expected in the walk of faith – Trusting God for the outcome is the only way that’s safe.
People have their rights and we can’t ignore them. Often the way an event ends, depends on how we begin. Let the other person speak and be polite to listen To any argument he has before you go and dismiss them.
Your time will come when you’re able to make your case. He will listen then to you and will carefully watch your face To see if you are sincere or if there is a hidden reason You sought him out knowing it wasn’t just to please him.
When a matter needs attending, do not wait too long – There is a time that’s right, that’s when the issue is strong
In the mind of each one who is involved in the matter And in dealing with such things – “the sooner is the better.”
“Don’t jump the gun,” but don’t procrastinate either – When the decisions are being made, be sure you will be there To bring the scriptures of truth to bear on this event And speak plainly God’s mind so all will know what He meant.
When the conclusion of the issue is made – then each one Will know the best decision has been come to, and all can move on To fulfilling the reason and plan God has for each individual life – And a peaceful resolution has been made avoiding unnecessary strife.
“Surely the patient waiting for the conclusion of events is best Father, even when my nature is to push for quick action. I am asking for patience and perseverance in all of my dealing with other people. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
THE ABILITY TO WAIT When important things are happening in our lives it is very difficult to patiently wait for results over which we have no control. To be able to keep our hands off the process is not easy. The problem is that really impatience comes from our sense of self-importance and pride, and lack of faith. Pride convinces us that we are important, and self-importance produces false self-confidence. Self-confidence in turn produces impatience. The night scene in which Boaz accepted Ruth proposal was very dramatic, but there was a glitch in the matter. Another kinsman-redeemer with a closer connection to Naomi had a closer claim to the field of Elimelech that should have passed on to Mahlon, Ruth's husband. He had to wait until morning to settle the matter legally and righteously. Would she marry Boaz or who she be another man's wife? Sometimes the issues of life seem so complicated that we worry and complain even when we can do nothing about the matter. At such times it is very hard to just wait.
Ruth left early when it was still dark before she would be easily recognized. The darkness could hopefully keep her night time visit a secret. Boaz also shared her concern for secrecy lest a scandal trap them. He wisely had a plan which would alleviate the problem. Using her shawl as a container, the load of grain she carried would indicate to anyone who happened to see her that this woman was either working very late or very early. An industrious woman who was working long hours to provide for her mother-in-law was a person of virtue. That was not a deceptive act but a sensible way to deal with a potential problem. Common sense in dealing with touchy matters is important for us to apply in any situation. We can be patient when we know what is happening is God's concern as well as ours. He does not fail us. He cares what happens to us. "All things work together for good to them who love God."
A patient believer knows God wants our best and waits for divine intervention to settle things that are beyond our control. Naomi would be waiting for the outcome of her plan. Ruth had told her all that had happened and all the details. In the gift of grain, Boaz gave assurance to Naomi that he knew her desire and wanted to assure her of his genuine concern. She would not be "empty" again. One way or another she would have an heir. Patience relies on God's commitment as well as His concern. God's actions are total and final. He doesn't have to recommit Himself to bring something to an end. Our waiting time is the length of time God ordains and not a minute longer. It may actually be after we are gone that His plan that we had waited for will be accomplished. Ruth also had to be patient. She had insisted on coming to Bethlehem. She took the initiative in going out to glean grain for food. She had carried out Naomi's plan - and now she had to sit and wait. She could do nothing more about this particular matter, so she had to sit tight until Boaz did his part. We can't do everything in spite of what speechmakers tell graduates. We all have our limitations whether we like to admit it or not. There are some things for which we just have to patiently wait.
Naomi knew what Boaz was like better than Ruth did. She assured Ruth that "the man will not rest until this matter is settled." It was in the character of Boaz to take care of business and do what he promised. He was not distracted from his objective. People who are true to their word, follow through to the conclusion of a matter. God has concern and is committed to His people and it is in God's character to do what He says. Our Kinsman-Redeemer can be trusted implicitly, but that doesn't mean we won't have to wait. Patience depends on the assurance that God is true to His word. God does what He says He will do on His own timetable. Sometimes the light is green and we can go ahead. Sometimes it is yellow warning us to prepare to stop. When it is red - just wait. It may be God's will that we wait in patience for the rest of our lives. That does not mean He has forgotten us but that His work is going on a timetable that is different than ours.
We didn't expect it would take this long But we know our Blessed Lord knows best.
So, whatever He plans we will not go wrong If in patience and consolation we rest. Because if we had our way and acted in hast The outcome might be a mistake. All that we have done would have been a waste Because God couldn't bless the way that we take.
In patience and quietness possess ye your soul Just wait until God chooses to act According as His plans and purposes unfold And we will be able to go forward not back To claim the promises and blessings He gives That exceeds far more that we ask or think Because the sovereign plans are not ours but His And binds us to Him with and unbreakable link.
Others deserve our interest and assistance That they may get some recognition they deserve The arrogant and proud will give serious resistance Because they would rather be well-known than serve Those who know self-sacrifice will not resent Some praise and thanks for those who are shy With respect and dignity, they will represent That which is important to God, not mans' eye.
"Father, may Thy servant have the wisdom to give credit where credit is due. May I never be guilty of claiming something that is praiseworthy that really belongs to others. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."