Ruth 2

And Boaz answered and said to her, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge."

(Ruth 2:11-12)

Ruth had found a refuge in the Lord. His wings provided her with a safety and security that she could find no other place. As a person living in the presence and under the protection of the Lord, Ruth was beginning to experience His PROVIDENCE. This concept of providence is important for us to understand. It is the idea that God “provides” for us, and makes preparation for our future according to His foresight.

This chapter opened up with a picture of God’s providence, leading Ruth to the fields of Boaz, and causing him to provide her with such excellent conditions to glean in. For those of us who trust in the Lord, we can be sure that the providence of God is at work in our lives. There is no luck, and no accidents. There is no such thing as mere happenstance… when we are following the Lord, our every step is ordered. If Ruth had not submitted herself to the LORD and followed Naomi to Israel, she would have never experienced this providential work of God. You see God was working, and He had a plan for Ruth… but that plan could never be realized if Ruth wasn’t willing to TRUST IN HIM.

The providence of God does not work exclusively, forcing men to live lives against there will. Instead it works in concert with an obedient heart, the out workings of a love relationship between God and His child. It is interesting to note that the phrase “under His wings” can also mean “under the edge of His garment”… a reference to being taken as ones wife. Ruth had professed her love and commitment to Naomi and Naomi’s God; now Ruth was experiencing the blessings of relationship with that God; He was a husband to her, a lowly widow.

In the Gospels, Jesus told us that He longed to gather His children like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings; but the children would not be gathered. Friends, remember this! We can’t be resisting the work of the Lord on the one hand, and expect God’s provision, preparation, and protection for the future on the other. The place where we see God really working in a beautiful way is within REAL RELATIONSHIP. How is your relationship with the Lord? Are you seeking refuge in the shadow of His wings? Do you love Him with your heart, your soul, your mind and strength? Are you following Jesus, or are you headed another direction?

Ruth would have never experienced God’s providence like this if she had stayed in Moab. It was following the Lord that brought her to the place she was in. Follow the Lord; don’t be content to remain where you are. I guarantee you that if you are following Jesus, God in His providence will be working behind the scenes to guide and direct your steps!