Closer than You Imagined (Part 4)

Why is it that whenever you travel abroad or go for a road trip, there’s always a hassle before you finally arrive at your destination?

You need to endure endless roads and sleepless hours in the car; wait long queues, carry tons of baggage and undergo different bag checks; or bear long walks to climb the highest peak before you can totally relax and enjoy. All these hurdles are your One Way Ticket to your Vacation.

Life is like traveling. You will encounter roadblocks that will hinder you from your destiny. You’re journey may not be easy but know that God is guiding you along the way.

If you’re dreaming of something, of someone or of going somewhere, don’t give up just yet. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t let anything stop you from receiving your blessings. Be willing to go through all these walks of life. Don’t hold back to what future holds just as what Ruth did. She chose to endure her tests because she knows in her heart that her redemption is on its way.


Along Came Boaz 

Along came Boaz, who was One Step Closer to Ruth. He went over towards her to start a conversation that will change Ruth’s life.

And so “Boaz went over and said to Ruth…. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field.”
Ruth 2:8

Though undeserving, as she is just a foreigner, she received kindness from a man who happens to own the whole field.

Boaz is such a blessing that was led by God towards her path. This man has brought so much joy  in Ruth’s heart.


Stage 7: The “Pursuit” Stage – No matter what, God will cause someone to bless you and pursue you more than you deserve. Just as Psalm 23 says “Your goodness and kindness pursue me, All the days of my life”, God has His ways of placing the right person in your path that will pursue you and treat you with kindness and respect. Just like Ruth, even if you’re busy with your career & priorities, when God says so, he will come into your life and all you can do is to open your heart. You don’t have to try so hard to please anyone. Just focus on pleasing the Lord and the right one will approach you not because you did everything to be noticed but because God made him notice you. 

This is a season where God allows someone to seek and understand more about you. This person won’t settle knowing you through your Facebook account or through your friends, he will have to draw closer to you to discover how beautiful you are. 


Undeserved Kindness 

Boaz showed concern in whatever Ruth was doing at his field. He expressed his great sense of care to the point that he was willing to help her and protect her from young men who might treat her roughly.

Boaz said to Ruth… “See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”
Ruth 2:9

Imagine Ruth having someone do the harvesting for her. She no longer needs to work so hard for her harvest. She can even drink water without the need to draw it from the well. All she has to do is to ask and someone will do it for her. What’s going on here? I believe this is what you call God’s massive Favor. Effortlessly, she was able to experience convenience at its finest. You too will be able to experience such kindness from our God that you don’t need to worry who will come along in your life or what your future holds. He has already provided everything.

And out of Boaz’ underserved kindness, Ruth fell on her feet and gratefully honored him.


Stage 8: The “Selfless” Stage – You will encounter a selfless love like no other. Though undeserving, God will release His Massive Favor in your life that you may encounter His Unconditional Love. God won’t allow anyone to harm you. He has the best interest in mind for your life. Therefore, He will see to it that He has someone who will take good care of you and protect you. He will bring someone in your life that will build you up and not tear you down. Just as Christ loves His church, this person will love you with a heart that’s willing to embrace the whole you without conditions. 

This is a season where God will cause someone to make you feel love, cared about and protected. You will experience God’s favor beyond your expectation so that you will know He loves and cares for you. 


A Heart that Carries On

Here we can see how Boaz admired Ruth because of her loyalty and love towards her mother-in-law Naomi.

Naomi, being old, bitter and unhappy, is somehow a burden for Ruth. She could have chosen to be on her own and move on with her life. But instead of running away from her difficult situation, she chose to take her battle and face it with a conquering attitude. She did not give up, believing that her decision to be with Naomi will cause her to have a better tomorrow. It was her willingness to face her adversities that led Ruth to her breakthroughs.

As God sees you eager to endure the race He has set before you, He’ll see to it that His grace is sufficient enough for you carry on. If it feels like you’ve gone through a long way and nothing has still happened, don’t waver. Know that you are closer than you Imagine towards His Rewards. Expect and believe that Your One Step Closer to your Destiny.

Sincerely,

Abby Bern


Read Previous:  Waiting on the Other Side (Part 3)
Read next: In the Midst of a Dungeon (Part 5)