Facing the Future (chapter 16)

As we head into Ruth 3, weeks have passed since the widows returned to Bethlehem. Naomi poses a crucial question to Ruth...

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do." And she replied, "All that you say I will do." (Ruth 3:1-5 ESV)

This modern day threshing floor in Greece gives a general idea
of how it might have been in ancient Bethlehem, minus the concrete
floor of course! photo from wikipedia

AUTHOR NOTES

Do you recall how Naomi prayed that Ruth and Orpah would receive kindness and find rest in Ruth 1? Naomi remembered, and she was still waiting for God to fully answer that prayer! Even though she’d been angry with God, she had still believed in God, and she believed he answered prayer. Now, weeks later, she waited expectantly. She also understood that God might use her actions and obedience to answer her own prayer. While Ruth gleaned the barley harvest, Naomi watched for a harvest of answered prayer."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

I hope you’ve been praying for kindness and rest for a while now as you’ve been reading this book. Have you seen any answers yet? If so, jot them down in a journal or diary. Details aren’t necessary. Just write enough to jog your memory in the future.

Is God asking you to do anything more than pray for these situations or opportunities? Remember that Naomi’s actions were in accordance with God’s Word, so she’s a good example to follow. God may also lead you through counsel from wise and godly people in your life.

If you haven’t prayed for kindness and rest for yourself, take some time to consider why not. Is it simply procrastination or disinterest, or is there a deeper reluctance?

Regarding remarriage, think about or discuss with a friend the response that best describes your current wish:

___Never. Remarriage is not for me. I have absolutely no desire for that.

___Probably not. I think it’s a statistical impossibility.

___Maybe, if I meet the right man.

___I’ll do anything to get married again.

___I’m not ready to risk losing another husband.

PRAYER

Dear God,

Please give me courage to carry through with my prayers and see any answers or opportunities you provide. Thank you that whether or not I marry again, I can be assured that your love will never fail. I trust you to show me the way I should go, and I’m putting my future in your hands.

Amen.