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PROVIDENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE (8)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Ruth 4:1-10

Romans 8:25-30

 

“…all things work together for good

to them that love God…”

 

PROVIDENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE (8)
 
The nearer kinsman declined to act, and relinquished all his rights and claims to Naomi, her property and Ruth. The hand of providence not only worked in bringing Boaz and Ruth together, but also in giving Boaz the legal right and permission to marry Ruth. Many a time, those who are in love fight against circumstances and people, seeing them as obstacles and hindrances to their profession of love and desire to marry. But not Boaz. He did not try to circumvent any legal and lawful requirement. He actively pursued them, and they worked for him, not against him.
 
“…Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe” (Ruth 4:8). Those who believe in God and His sovereignty, and His providence, must trust that all things will work together for good. Boaz had promised Ruth that he would do all that she requested, yet he did not know how things would turn out. He knew that the nearer kinsman would either take up the responsibility or reject it. Boaz’s desire preceded neither God’s will nor his obedience and submission to God’s law and will. This is a hard but necessary lesson for all to learn, especially those who have set their minds on a would-be spouse. She or he may, in your own eyes, be the best person for you, and you may think of stopping at nothing to marry that person. But what is God’s will for you, and for your would-be spouse? The temptation to circumvent or fight against laid-down processes and procedures, especially those that are drawn and based on biblical injunctions and principles, is a temptation to stray from God and His will for you and for your would-be spouse.
 
Boaz obtained the legal and lawful rights to redeem the property of Naomi and to marry Ruth, not by fighting the lawful principles and legal procedures, but by submitting himself to the processes and actively pursuing them. He did not ignore the law and follow his heart. He obeyed the law, willing to accept whatever the outcome was. He let God lead, and providence worked for him.
 
THOUGHT: No one succeeds by fighting God’s will.

PRAYER: Father, give me grace and wisdom to seek and follow Thy will.

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