Brave Change: Navigating Uninvited Seasons a 6 -Day Plan by Krista PettifordSample

Be Willing To Adapt

"Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." Ruth 2:2

It takes courage to adapt to what a new season requires, but God releases His favor in our lives and makes things work for our good when we choose to do things His way.

I imagine that Naomi had a good life in Moab, for a time. I imagine that Ruth had a good life, too —one in which she did not have to fend for herself and struggle to survive, at least before her husband died.

Ruth knew she would have to adapt to a new lifestyle of hard work and humble means to provide for herself and Naomi in Bethlehem. She could have sought work independently and taken whatever was available, but she asked Naomi to direct her to the field where she would be treated with kindness and favor.

Naomi directed her to Boaz's field, where she worked hard and adapted to her situation without complaint. Her reputation preceded her. When Boaz inquired about her to his workers, they told him of the kindness she had shown her mother-in-law in giving up her life in Moab to go to Bethlehem and all that she had done for Naomi since they arrived.

Boaz granted her protection and provision in his field when he heard what she had done. Ruth responded by expressing her appreciation. Her humility, adaptability, and hard work released God's favor and the favor of a man in her life and opened the way for God to advance His perfect plan.

Returning to school, then working in a new field with new people after my divorce required adaptability, humility, and hard work. Being a single mom, then living alone required the same heart posture. Moving to a new church after being at my former church and leading ministry for nearly twenty-two years was no different. Rebuilding my life has required doing things God’s way and seeking His favor every step.

Doing the humble and hard things and adapting as our season requires opens the way for God’s favor and for Him to make even the things meant for evil work for our good.

Are you willing to do the humble and hard things your new season may require of you to receive God’s favor?