RPG Adults
SELF-HELP WITH GOD’S HELP IS THE BEST HELP (3)
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Ruth 2:1-3
Psalm 37:3-7
“Rest in the LORD, and
wait patiently for him…”
SELF-HELP WITH GOD’S HELP IS THE BEST HELP (3)
God’s help to man is given through providence. God’s work in the life of man, though hidden to man’s eyes many a time, is unceasing and “all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28). Our response and duty, thus, has to be that of: (i) seeking to know, to align ourselves with, and to do God’s will, (ii) resting, accepting, and being satisfied with what the hand of providence and grace accords us in life, and (iii) being steadfast, submitted to, and diligent to fulfil our responsibilities as revealed in God’s infallible Word. We may not know which way we ought to go, and may doubt our minds, hearts, and efforts, but we must never doubt God’s wisdom, power, Word or providential care over us.
“…and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz…” (Ruth 2:3). This verse illustrates the providential hand of God and the help that God gave. Ruth, the Moabitess, a stranger in a foreign land, thereby resolved to follow God, knowing not which way to go, yet going out with the blessing and permission of her mother-in-law. As she went out, she sought “in whose sight I shall find grace” (Ruth 2:2). As she went out, she had purposed to “go…and glean ears of corn” according to the provisions of God for the help and sustenance of the widows and the poor of the land. Clearly aligning herself with the revealed will of God, she set out to work within the boundaries of His will. She was going forth not with a fixed mind, but with a mind that seemed to be resting on whatever comes her way as provided by the hand of providence. Providence worked with her, led her in a way she knew not, but was the good way. Providence led her to a place where she would find daily bread more than sufficient to sustain her and her mother-in-law. She went out with no one holding her hand, guiding her, “teaching her the ropes,” to manoeuvre and manipulate “the ropes that moved the sails to capture wind most effectively” and thus be placed to get ahead in life. But she went out with the best help that any man could have. She went out with God’s help in providence.
THOUGHT: Men do not control life; God’s hand works behind them.
PRAYER: O Father, help me to trust Thy unseen hand as it guides me through life’s ways that I cannot see.