UNCOMMEN: On The Waiting ListIsampula

Finding Your Purpose

Waiting. No one enjoys it. We live in a culture nowadays that focuses on the quick, and the instant gratification of everything from movies to food, and internet speeds. So why should dating be any different? Want to look for a quick hook up with no strings attached? We have an app for that! Want to send/receive scandalous photos of people? We have an app for that too! The idea of waiting has long been lost.

1 John 2:15-16, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." We are called not to be the same as the world. In light of this, we are going to talk about waiting. 

I have some experience when it comes to waiting for the right one. Growing up, I wasn't the first choice when it came to boyfriend material. I didn't have a whole lot of interests outside of video games; I was self-focused and my personality about as deep as a puddle. All I knew was that according to all the romance movies and sitcoms I watched, I was supposed to get a girlfriend, marry her, and then I would have a perfect life. Already, you can see the glaring red flags. Looking back now, I had the wrong priorities. In those moments, I was single and lonely. 

In our passage for today, we see that this isn't a unique feeling. Ruth's husband died, leaving her alone with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. However, the sister-in-law went back to her family, while Ruth accompanied her mother-in-law to her homeland. In a strange, new place with no spouse or support, I can only imagine the loneliness she felt. She could have easily taken the road of self-pity and sadness, but she didn't. She knew God had a plan, and even in a world where she doesn't find her husband in Boaz, she could still serve God.

If there is one thing you should take away from this story about Ruth waiting, it is to invest in yourself. God has called you to be an influence NOW, not after you get a girlfriend, or get married. Work on things in your life, find a new hobby, gain a new skill, and improve yourself!

Questions: 

1. Are you genuinely okay with yourself? Can you stand to be alone and enjoy "me" time? If not, why?

2. Do you find joy in Christ alone? Or do you search for pleasure in other places?

Challenge:

Find a new skill to pick up this week. Whether it be something simple a learning how to iron clothes, or as complex as a new language or musical instrument?

Scripture Verse:
Ruth 1:1-18