Flourish!Sample

TAKE DECISIVE ACTION

Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). 

Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. One day, Ruth said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor” (Ruth 2:2, NIV). Naomi agreed.

Why fieldwork? Possibly because of God’s instructions in Leviticus 23:22, NLT that state, “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the LORD your God.”

Poor and a foreigner, Ruth fit both categories. 

God guided Ruth to Boaz’s field. Aware of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, Boaz kindly invited Ruth to join his workers and instructed them, “Let her glean where there’s still plenty of grain on the ground – make it easy for her. Better yet, pull some of the good stuff out and leave it for her to glean. Give her special treatment” (Ruth 2:15-16, MSG).  

Ruth’s first-day haul of a large basket of grain and lunch leftovers amazed Naomi. Who had been so generous? Ruth said Boaz. Knowing Boaz to be a wealthy close relative with caregiver responsibilities to them, Naomi acknowledged God’s faithfulness and her own misjudgment. In Ruth 2:20 (MSG), she marveled, “Why, GOD bless that man! GOD hasn’t quite walked out on us after all! He still loves us, in bad times as well as good!”

Yes, Naomi. God's love is steadfast and sure. So sure that Ruth could step into unknown fields expectant of finding favor and food to live on. Why? Because God had decreed the extension of goodness and mercy to gleaners well in advance of Ruth's need. 

Reflection:

Consider your difficult situation. What do you have or what can you do to better this situation? 

Suggested Steps to Determine Appropriate Decisive Action:

1. Study what God’s Word says about your situation.

2. Ask God for wisdom concerning the steps you should take. Please remember, a condition for God’s provision of wisdom is asking in faith (James 1:6). 

3. Wait for God’s response.

4. Act in accordance with His response.

Note: God’s instructions (Leviticus 23:22) directly addressed Ruth’s situation, so her identification of appropriate decisive action was straightforward. Long before her need, God had prepared a means of providing for her. Ruth just had to gather what He had set aside for her.

Scriptural Encouragement for Taking Decisive Action:

Joshua 1:8, NLT: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”