Timing Is Everything

“I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. Ruth 3:5

From our Western, twenty-first-century point of view, the scene of Naomi and Ruth pursuing Boaz seems strange. But at this time in history, widows were provided for by a kinsman-redeemer; that is, a man somehow related to the deceased got first dibs on marrying the widow.

But look at this from Ruth’s perspective: Everything was new—culture, widowhood, friends, and now a man. Many things prepared Ruth emotionally for the next step of her life. The stair steps of trust looked like this:

Married Naomi’s son

Heard about Naomi’s God, the true God

Believed in God, even after her husband died

Went with Naomi back to Israel, kept learning about God

Gleaned the fields to provide, didn’t complain

Attracted Boaz’s attention, was asked to lunch

Received compliments from Boaz, who looked out for her

Told Naomi about Boaz

Accepted Naomi’s plan

Ruth wouldn’t have been ready to trust Naomi or Boaz with her future had she not taken the first few steps: believe then act on that belief and keep acting on that belief. Leaving her family, going to Israel, gleaning—none of it was easy, but it was right.

What is the next step God is asking you to take? How has he prepared you for that step?