Direction

God’s Sovereignty

Consider God’s direction in your life. Pause for a moment and look back to His guidance and His protection. Often, at the time circumstances are happening, we do not clearly see the full picture ahead. God sees completion, every detail from beginning to end. He will use His children for the praise of His name.

Ruth 4:9-13

We continue with the account of the exchange of property from the nearest kinsman to Boaz. Looking back in Ruth 3:13, Boaz told Ruth that he would redeem her if the nearest kinsman was unable to do so. He then immediately went to the city gates to inquire of this relative and take care of the matter. He was given his answer and in verses 9 and 10, it seems he announced his purchase of the land and his wedding.

Ruth 4:9-10 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. "Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased may not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his [birth] place; you are witnesses today."

Boaz lets the elders of the city and those present that he is now the rightful owner of all that had belonged to Elimelech and his sons. In this public announcement, Boaz states his intention to marry Ruth, the widow of Mahlon. This marriage would continue the name of Elimelech’s family. Recognize this transaction required Boaz to lay aside his own name in order to raise an heir for Elimelech’s family name.

Once again, we must step back and consider our redemption at the cross of Christ. Christ looked upon us with mercy and purchased our inheritance in heaven. Even though we were undeserving and poor, He willingly laid aside His riches to acquire us for His Father. Christ did this publicly for all to witness. There is no question of His great love for us.

“Thus hath our God, our divine Redeemer, when we were poor and destitute, and none were either able or willing to purchase the inheritance, which we by sin had so deeply mortgaged, yea, utterly forfeited, paid down the price, even at the expense of marring his own inheritance; having left the realms of bliss and glory for our sake, and then espousing us to himself, hath made us sharers of that glory, to which the Father, as the reward of his sufferings, hath exalted him”, Thomas Haweis.

The words recorded for us in Ruth 4:10 give us a reminder of Ruth’s background. She was a descendent from Moab, a land that was considered detestable because of its idol worship. However, Ruth had fully embraced the Jewish faith as she answered God’s call. Recall Ruth 1:16, “But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you [or] turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people [shall be] my people, and your God, my God”.

After Boaz made his intentions clear to all those who were congregated around the city gates, the people responded with great blessings toward him and Ruth for many children.

Ruth 4:11-12 And all the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, "[We are] witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. "Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the LORD shall give you by this young woman”.

A similar blessing was given to Rebekah in Genesis 24:60, “And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousands, and may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them”.

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they shall not be ashamed, When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this about the mention of the house of Perez: “This was very appropriate; for from Pharez, the son of Judah, by Tamar, came the family of the Beth-lehemites and that of Elimelech”.

Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her. And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

Following a public declaration and the blessing of others, Boaz and Ruth are husband and wife. God then enabled them to conceive a child. This child would be in the lineage of David, and the Messiah.

“He that forsakes all for Christ shall find more than all with him; it shall be recompensed a hundred-fold in this present time…. Boaz had prayed that this pious proselyte might receive a full reward of her courage and constancy from the God of Israel, under whose wings she had come to trust; and now he became an instrument of that kindness, which was an answer to his prayer, and helped to make his own words good. Now she had the command of those servants with whom she had associated and of those fields in which she had gleaned. Thus sometimes God raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them with princes”, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible.

Looking back to Chapter 1, remember Ruth’s marriage in Moab to Elimelech’s son, Mahlon. Verse four states a period of about ten years transpired. In that time, Ruth did not conceive a child. This would have been unusual since marriage was intended to build a family name. Think about God’s perfect plan and timing in using Ruth.

Who ordered the famine?
Who allowed Elimelech to transport his family to Moab?
Who caused Ruth to meet Mahlon?
Who determined the deaths of the three men in the family?
Who orchestrated the end of the famine and Naomi’s return to Bethlehem?
Who intended Ruth to respond to God’s truths?
Who put in place the timing of the harvest and the need of a young widow to supply for her mother-in-law?
Who softened a wealthy landowner’s heart towards a Moabitess?
Who planned the nearest kinsman’s refusal to redeem Ruth in order to open the way for Boaz?

It is impossible to read this account of Boaz and Ruth and not recognize God’s sovereignty. As you read the detail orchestrated by God’s hand, it is almost too much for a mind to grasp and appreciate His power over all.

Deuteronomy 4:39 "Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

1Chronicles 29:12 "Both riches and honor [come] from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.

Psalm 135:6 Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.

Daniel 4:35 "And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And [among] the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?'

Do you see His hand in your life?
Do you trust His direction?

Recall the qualities displayed for us in Ruth’s character. She responded to God’s call and was willing to follow His direction (1:16). She was loyal and courageous (1:17-1:18). She did what was necessary (2:2). She was a hard worker (2:7, 17). She was humble; she expected no special treatment (2:10, 13). Her works proved her faith (2:11-12). She took direction from others (2:22, 23; 3:5, 14-15). She was virtuous (3:11). She was patient (3:18).

God used her life to glorify Himself. He will use your life also. Respond to His call, follow His direction, be willing to go forth courageously in His strength, work hard, remember your need for His sacrifice, live out your faith, listen to the wisdom of others, strive to be morally excellent, and wait upon God.

Where did all of this lead in Ruth’s life?

Blessing!

“Thus was her self-denying faith rewarded. She left behind her both relatives, country, and prospects, to cast in her lot with the Lord's people, and the Lord not only blessed her, but blessed distant generations through her. Those who follow the Lord at all hazards shall be no losers in the long run. To increase Ruth's joy and crown her happiness, the Lord gave her a son, which son was also a joy to Naomi.” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

The pursuit of God will transform your character and you will be blessed as He uses your life for His glory. The first chapter of Timothy records Paul’s words to Timothy on being a faithful worker of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.

1Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

God’s Abounding Love

God desires to bless each of His children according to His plan.

Ruth continues to relay the words of Boaz to Naomi in the next verse. Ruth 2:21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, "Furthermore, he said to me, 'You should stay close to my servants until they have finished all my harvest.'" The blessings continue to multiply! This is like listening to a story that just keeps getting better and better – and we have not neared the end!

It is interesting that verse 21 begins with the words ‘Ruth he Moabitess’. This particular description of Ruth is a reminder of her background and renders these events even more amazing. Remember, the land of Moab was known for its worship of idols. The fact that Ruth is now part of the family name of Elimelech through marriage, and living among the Jewish peoples, having adopted their customs and their God, is only a scene that could have been written by God’s own hand.

NASB uses the word ‘furthermore’, other translations say ‘yea, he said unto me’, ‘besides, he said unto me, and ‘he also said to me’ (ASV, RSV and NKJV). Imagine the conversation between Ruth and Naomi. Ruth can hardly believe what has transpired that day. She expected little, just the possibility of gathering a small amount of grain for food, yet she was granted kindness, security, refreshment, and hope. Through the course of her interaction with Boaz, Ruth remembered her position; her humility continues to shine in her actions and words.

Think of your position in Christ. You were called to Him, and although you had nothing to offer, He stretched out his arms for you to offer riches untold. Unworthy, unlikely and once His enemy, you have been embraced by God’s mercy and blessed abundantly. We have an example of Ruth, excited to tell the whole incredible story to Naomi of her unexpected blessings.

Are you excited to talk about the gift you have received in Christ and the blessings that are yours as His child?

Ruth reveals that Boaz told her to stay close to His servants until they finished the harvest. Several commentaries report that there were two harvest periods. The first being barley which was currently being harvested, and the latter being wheat which would follow. Ruth had been invited to join Boaz’s servants until all the harvest was complete.

It is noteworthy to look at what Ruth did not share with Naomi. Boaz was full of praise towards Ruth in verses 11-12. One commentary makes this observation of Ruth’s conversation with Naomi, “She tells what kindness Boaz had shewed her; but not, how he had commended her. Humility teaches not only not to praise ourselves, but not to be forward in repeating the praise which others have given us”. John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments

Ruth 2:11-12 And Boaz answered and said to her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. "May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge."

Consider God’s answered prayer and direction in your own life. There are things you had probably hoped for or thought would be a good direction that God, in His mercy, kept from you. Instead, you see His answers, in His timing, and as you look back, realize His perfect blessings.

The hardships that Naomi and Ruth have experienced were allowed by God to prepare them to receive His blessings. God’s plan for His children makes no compromise, has no holes, and is not left to chance. Blessings are not acquired by our merit but by His abounding love. God chose to bless Naomi and Ruth, placing them in His perfect timing for His perfect blessings. God desires to bless each of His children according to His plan. Adversity prepares us for what lies ahead, teaches us to trust in God and proves our sincere faith.

Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Thy statutes.

Psalm 66:10 For Thou hast tried us, O God; Thou hast refined us as silver is refined.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD.

1Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Providence

“With a fatherly kindness God watches over and directs the concerns of the poorest, most obscure, and defenseless of his people, and directs them in such a manner as to promote their highest good”

Do you see the hand of God in your life? The word happenstance refers to an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental. It is closely related to the idea of something being a coincidence. I don’t believe anything is a coincidence since the Bible says God has purposed everything according to His will. He is in control of all things, knows all things and nothing is beyond God’s scrutiny and dominion. Read Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is [like] channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes”. God’s providence is quite the opposite of accidental. It is an event or circumstance that may look like coincidence but has been arranged all along by Him. It is God’s care exercised for His creation.

I am studying the book of Ruth at this moment. Ruth 2:3, turned my eyes toward thinking upon God’s divine direction in my life. As I look back I am truly amazed and thankful at the way each segment has been placed just so. Even the negative – or what I thought was negative – has been purposely used by God to show me Himself and to grow me in trust and understanding. My heart is full of praise and adoration for the One true God, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Ruth 2:3 reads, “So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech”.

God’s hand of care is written all over this! Consider how blessed we are to have this encouraging picture of God working in the lives of those whom He has called. Even in dire circumstances which are unforeseen, God has an incredible plan.

Our text says Ruth happened upon a field belonging to Boaz. This word ‘happened’ means something met with an accident or fortune, something befallen or by chance. Was this an accident or providence? Family Bible Notes makes this comment, “With a fatherly kindness God watches over and directs the concerns of the poorest, most obscure, and defenseless of his people, and directs them in such a manner as to promote their highest good”. Matthew Poole’s Commentary says, “It was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’s providence”. God uses the circumstances in our lives to bring Himself glory.

If you are God’s child, you will be able to see His hand directing your life in all areas. Look back at seemingly unimportant events or decisions and praise God for how He has turned them for your blessing. Be excited for His guidance and direction as He leads you on a path that will bring growth in your life and glory to Himself.

Focus Heavenward, Sharyn.

For His Name’s Sake

I love how John Wesley’s Notes on the Old Testament explains the words, ‘He restores my soul’ – “He brings it back; from its errors and wandering. Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.”

Psalm 23:3

Ps 23:1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Think of what it means to be restored. I love restoring old furniture. I don’t necessarily bring the item I’m working on back to its original state, instead I refresh it by putting on a new coat of paint. Often, screws need to be tightened and seams need regluing in order to strengthen the piece. I normally sand the wood pieces before I paint, and sometimes I sand after, to give it a ‘loved’ look. Reupholstering can also give a fresh new look to some pieces but older items may need the cushioning replaced in order to really strengthen and fix the entire object.

When I looked up the Greek word restore is translated from, I was presented with quite a long list of definitions. Generally, its meaning is to retreat again, bring back home again, to call to mind, to continually deliver. The words recall, recover, refresh, relieve, rescue, retrieve and to cause to return are included in the long list of expressions defining the word ‘restore’.

The above seemed a lot to decipher, so I looked at the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge to try to get some additional insight. Here are a few verses using the same Greek word <shuwb> or restore.

Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says “to restore the soul is to revive or quicken it.

Ps 80:3 O God, restore us, and cause Thy face to shine [upon us], and we will be saved.

There are numerous uses of this same word throughout the Bible, many in the book of Genesis. The majority of uses for this word have the same thought – return(ed), returned continually, brought back, brought again, certainly return, restore(d), come again, bring again, to deliver, and draw back.

Psalm 23:3 says He restores my soul. God comforts His children. God refreshes His children. Not necessarily by changes that occur outside, but by those that come from within.

Consider. How long does an outward change last if only superficial? In other words, if I don’t take the time to fix the integrity of the furniture I restore, it will still be weak even though the outside may look new. God restores our soul, the very center of who we are. He refreshes us from the inside. Initially, He saved my soul from the grip of sin so that I would have eternal life. Continually, He brings me back from wandering by His guidance and protection. When I am weak, God gives me refreshment in His truths and strengthens me.

God not only has gifted us with eternal life, He also is here to direct us and guide us, to restore us, to bring us back when we go off in the wrong direction, to give us rest when we become weary. This is a beautiful picture of our Great Shepherd and His continual care for His children. “Just as a shepherd brings back his wandering sheep from those craggy, untrodden paths, wherein they would lose themselves; and leads them into plain and easy ways, wherein they find rest and safety.” Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

“When the soul grows sorrowful He revives it; when it is sinful He sanctifies it; when it is weak He strengthens it. … Are any of us low in grace? Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. Pray to Him then for the blessing – ‘Restore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!” Treasury of David

Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

God not only restores my soul, He leads me, He guides me, He puts me on a straight path, the right path.

Think of those times you’ve taken a wrong turn. About twenty years ago, my husband and I surprised my parents with a trip to Alaska. My Dad had always dreamed of going there. While we were walking through some ruins from the 1964 earthquake that registered a 9.2 on the Richter scale, my husband took a turn and we all followed. Soon, we found ourselves right in the middle of mosquitos nesting. This was as horrible as it sounds: the little critters were everywhere, our skin was covered and if you opened your mouth to say anything or scream, they entered your mouth. I remember having mosquito bites on my tongue, and in my ears along with every exposed skin surface. God doesn’t lead us on a path of calamity, he leads us on His path of righteousness.

Ever have those times where you don’t know which way to turn? The direction you should take doesn’t seem clear and there doesn’t seem to be a good answer or right choice. We’ve all been there at one time or another. Several of us have been there multiple times. Some may even be there right now. What do you do?

Always, always, always go back to the truths you know in Christ Jesus. Psalm 23:3 says God will guide us to His way, what is best. Place your trust completely in His truths given to us through His word. You can rest in the fact that God does what He says. His answers may not come as quickly as we would like which means we need to wait. His answers may also not be what we want, but they will be what we need. His answers are often not easy, but will cause us to trust Him every step we take. Remember the truths written for us just in this Psalm alone.

Ps 23:1-3 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Ps 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Ps 31:3 For Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name's sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.

Pr 8:20 "I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,

“In the paths of righteousness; in straight, and plain, and safe paths, where the sheep is neither hurt, nor wearied, nor in danger of wandering. By his word he directs me to the right ways of truth, and holiness, and righteousness, and by his Spirit he inclines and enables me to choose them, and to continue to walk in them.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

Ps 143:8-10 Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in Thee; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to Thee I lift up my soul. 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in Thee. 10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Isa 42:16 "And I will lead the blind [literal or figurative] by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone."

I have been saved from sin, I am continually led by my Shepherd to all that is needed, and I am saved to live a life in sync with His will. Only God is able to guide me into His ways. There is no possible way I am able to seek out His truths and follow them on my own without the help of the Holy Spirit. But, being saved from sin I am saved to righteousness. This is my hope, what I know for certain. God is my guide and He never fails to restore His children and guide them – even when they get lost or stray off the path, even when the way seems unclear or difficult. A shepherd will carry the weakest sheep if needed until they are strong enough to walk on their own. Do you trust Jesus to shepherd you?

Consider. The promises of God are certain. The faithfulness of God is sure.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

2Co 1:20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

Isa 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.

1Jo 2:25 And this is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Ps 36:5 Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness [reaches] to the skies.

Why does God restore my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness?

For His name’s sake.

On account of who He is. His character. To display the glory of His grace towards those He loves. Because He is perfect and good.

We are likened to sheep. We easily lose our way and will perish without a Shepherd. It is not because of anything in us that we are able to live lives of righteousness. I am not worthy. But God is and it brings great glory to God’s name when He guides us in righteousness, protecting us from harm. This is a display of His power and faithfulness.

Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name; and deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake.

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done;

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Fanny Crosby, 1875

Misstep

In our walk with God, there is no need to be alone. In fact, there is no need to misstep if we walk with Him all the way.

My Dad used to tell us about how he walked six miles to and from school, uphill both ways!! It’s not so common now to have a child walk to school because safety has become a real concern. Well, I didn’t walk six miles to school and certainly both ways were not uphill , but my brothers and I always walked to school, to friends’ homes, and to a place we called ‘the little store’ which was a convenience store where you would buy penny candy. Sometimes we would meander around the neighborhood which had a radius of a few miles, sometimes we would hurry to our destination if we were running late or it was getting dark. You always had to be home by dark for dinner. Once, I was walking home from school after hanging out with my friends so it was a bit later than usual so I was kind of half walking, half running. I somehow missed my step and rolled my ankle really bad. It swelled up like a baseball within minutes and turned purple pretty quickly. No one would really look for me until dinner time. So I was on my own. I hobbled home with crocodile tears in my eyes all the way!

In our walk with God, there is no need to be alone. In fact, there is no need to misstep if we walk with Him all the way.

Ps 119:133 Establish my footsteps in Thy word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.

Consider. What does it mean to establish something?

establish: set up, lay the groundwork, make clear by example or explanation, institute, bring about, place

establish (KJV – order) <kuwn> to be erect; hence to set up, establish, fix, prepare, apply. confirm, direct, order, be stable

order my steps (KJV)

direct my steps (NKJV)

keep steady my steps (RSV)

Ps 17:5 My steps have held fast to Thy paths. My feet have not slipped.

Have you ever been on a hiking trip or taken a long hike in the mountains? How important is it that your steps are carefully placed? What happens if not?

God governs our steps; God guides our steps; God keeps us from losing our step. In other words, we have a map, we have a guide and we have someone holding our hand helping us through the uncertain or difficult areas of our journey!

So why do we falter? We let go, we move ahead without waiting because we’re impatient, we choose not to look at the map and we get lost.

“Ver. 133. Order my steps in thy word. This is one of the Lord's customary mercies to his chosen, -- "He keepeth the feet of his saints." By his grace he enables us to put our feet step by step in the very place which his word ordains. This prayer seeks a very choice favour, namely, that every distinct act, every step, might be arranged and governed by the will of God. This does not stop short of perfect holiness, neither will the believer's desires be satisfied with anything beneath that blessed consummation.” Treasury of David

Read what the next part of Psalm 119:133 says:

Establish my footsteps in Thy word,

word <’imrah> commandment, speech, word

Pretty clear, right. God’s word. His truth. The bible. Think! What does it mean to be ‘in something’? We have common sayings such as, ‘we are in love’. We can be in church, in the store, in the back yard, etc. We are physically there! We are part of whatever we are in. Being in something speaks of our location, or our surroundings. I belong to a quilting group – I am in the quilting group. I am in a growth group. In the summer, we are in the water, meaning we are involved with it, surrounded by it.

Ps 64:10 The righteous man will be glad in the LORD, and will take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart will glory.

“Steps taken before, or in the presence of God. Steps butted and bounded by a divine rule. These are steps indeed." --John Bunyan, in "Solomon's Temple Spiritualized."

Click here for the complete study…http://thensingsmysoultothee.com/sole-soul-power/

Nothing is Impossible!

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It’s too hard, you’ve got the wrong person for the job!

God tells Jeremiah that he has been appointed to Himself for the purpose of speaking truth to the people. Jeremiah does hear God and has been given some really encouraging words. Specifically, that God has known him all along and that He has a plan for his life. This is all cool, but then he gets more details. How does Jeremiah respond?

Jer 1:6 Then I said, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth."

Interesting, when I looked at the word ‘Alas’ in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, I found that it was a word used to express pain. Similar to something we might say like “Oh no”. Even with the encouragement that God had shared with Jeremiah, Jeremiah was reluctant to jump in with both feet! Have you been there? You know that something is good, it is right, it is what God would have you do, but…! Perhaps, the unfolding plan was not what you had expected or it seems very possible that what you should do may cause either yourself or others to be uncomfortable. Or perhaps, you’d rather stay on the quiet, unnoticed side of things and let someone else be the outspoken one. In Jeremiah’s case, he claimed his youth as an excuse to bowing out of God’s plan.

Let’s look at the words Jeremiah used to address God.

Lord <Adonay> as in my Lord.

God <Y@hovih> self-existent or eternal

This again speaks of the personal relationship Jeremiah had with God as he calls Him my God. The acknowledgement of God’s eternal existence agrees with the information Jeremiah had received that God knew him even before he was born. So Jeremiah answers God saying, “Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth”. It’s like he’s saying, ‘c’mon God, you know me, you understand me, I’m still young and I can’t say things well, I don’t have what it takes’.

It takes little imagination to think of what his unspoken thoughts might have been. ‘Give the job to someone else’, ‘Look, I’d like to help but this is not my comfort zone’, or ‘Really, are you sure I’m the one you want, there are others that would be a better choice’. We see this same kind of reaction to God’s plan elsewhere in the Bible. I immediately think of Moses. He voices insecurity in God’s plan as he questions Him with a list of ‘what ifs’.

Ex 4:1 Then Moses answered and said, "What if they will not believe me, or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'"

After the ‘what ifs’, Moses tried another tactic.

Ex 4:10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Moses couldn’t proclaim youth as his excuse, instead, he reminded God that he wasn’t an eloquent speaker – like God needed a reminder!! Later on in the same book, Moses reminded God again that people wouldn’t listen to him…

Ex 6:12 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?"

How did God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns?

Jer 1:7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.

Well first, He threw the youth problem out the door! As Jeremiah was hoping to shrink away from the directions God was giving him, his protest of youth was negated. With God there are no limitations in performing the work He has set out for us! We may think we are too old, too young, or too shy. Perhaps we let lack of education or experience cause us to shrink away from stepping into a direction God is leading. Maybe we feel past mistakes disqualify us from being used by Him. No matter what obstacles we may perceive, there are no barriers that will keep God from being able to use us according to His plan. The question is, “Are you willing”? Don’t cling to your excuses, concentrate on His truths:

Ex 15:2a "The LORD is my strength and song,”

2Sa 22:33a "God is my strong fortress;”

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

2Co 12:9a And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

Heb 11:33-34 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Jg 16:3 Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron.

2Sa 22:40 "For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.

Isa 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Da 11:32b "but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Lu 18:27 But He said, "The things impossible with men are possible with God."

Lu 1:37 "For nothing will be impossible with God."

That’s quite a list of encouraging scriptures, and it’s only partial. There are so many more that we can cling to as we trust that God will give us everything needed for the task He puts in front of us!

I love that the NAS translation of Jeremiah 1:7 uses the words ‘everywhere’ and ‘all’. It’s not like God will get us started and then leave us on our own to finish! He’s not saying, “I’ll show you once, then you’ll do fine”. He’s with us. From the beginning to the end. Everywhere He sends us we are accompanied by His Spirit to strengthen, to encourage, to pick up when we fall, to even put words in our mouth when we don’t have any!

“Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.”

We have no excuse. In God we are able. Are you timid? God will cause you to be brave! Do we have insufficiencies? Sure! It would take me a very long time to list my weaknesses. Should this stop us from going forth to follow God’s will and direction? Absolutely not.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary suggests this wording from the Hebrew: “Thou shalt go upon all errands and messages that I shall send thee”.

Ac 26:16 'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;

Jer 1:17-18 "Now, gird up your loins, and arise, and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I dismay you before them. "Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

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Get up my friend! Be brave in the Lord! He’s picked you as His child. Nothing is too difficult for God. He has called exactly whom He wants to do the job He requires!

Rollercoasters and Socks

God doesn’t just play a game with us, moving us like pawns on a chessboard hoping everything will turn out as planned. He has specifically established His perfect plan for our lives.

Crazy – madness or insanity, possessed by inordinate excitement.

I had a crazy weekend with many unexpected turns, rearranged schedules and blown expectations of what was planned. My plans changed and re-changed as God gave His direction, not in a complete picture of understanding, but in small glimpses of how we could help by being flexible.

A few things come to mind looking back at the last few days. The saying “go with the flow” and scripture in Proverbs 16.

Go With the Flow. This idiom has several interpretations of meaning. One dictionary says it means to cope with adversity; to accept one’s lot. Another explains it as moving along with the prevailing forces, accepting the prevailing trend. This would be much like the familiar picture of a school of fish all swimming in one direction. As I looked at several other explanations of the saying, ‘go with the flow’, I realized that my use of these words didn’t really match up with all the definitions given. Rather, my mind considers that going with the flow means to accept whatever direction God points. It’s more than just coping with adversity, it’s looking at changes with a mindset that God’s plans will prevail and His plans are always better than the schedule I set for myself. It is in that sense, to accept and move forward in His lead, that ‘go with the flow’ is a good description of this last weekend. The adjective crazy does still apply however! Maybe insanity is a coping mechanism?!

The Bible always has the best interpretation of how I should be thinking, and it is always on point. Proverbs 16:9 says “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps”. This verse sounds like my life! The meaning of mind, or heart in the KJV, includes the feelings, will and intellect; basically everything about him. Man plans his way. I make plans, you probably make plans also. We certainly make choices, we consider what direction to take, and we write our schedules in a calendar to keep track of them. This is all good – as long as we’re ready to release our goals to be rearranged, flipped upside down or even thrown out by God’s better plans. When I looked up the Hebrew word for ‘directs’, I found it contains the words faithfulness, perfect, preparation, provide, stable and establish. God doesn’t just play a game with us, moving us like pawns on a chessboard hoping everything will turn out as planned. He has specifically established His perfect plan for our lives. He is in control of all things and He is faithful! This seems to go along with the verse in Romans 8:28.

Ro 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose.

Yes, the events of this last weekend were not at all what we had planned! We were going to celebrate our son-in-law’s birthday – He was called to take a last minute flight to family that was ill. My oldest granddaughter and I had plans to work on a sewing project, we even purchased the fabric, then it became evident that just a time of snuggling and talk and encouragement was a much higher priority. Our oldest son and his wife received news of complications of health in a family member. Again, our plans were redirected to help with their children so they could attend to encouraging others. Tired? Yes! Actually, kind of exhausted. But, God is faithful! We even had the energy to keep one of our grandsons overnight last evening so his Mommy could go to work. Blessings? Yes! From God – a calm, gentle spirit through all; thankfulness that He kept us available; encouragement by the responses in our grown children to immediately help others and the blessing to see their reliance upon God; opportunities to discuss with my oldest granddaughter how topsy-turvy events can still be a blessing; sweet early morning hugs from a grandson and many more blessings I’m sure we don’t even recognize. One more blessing of thankfulness to point out – I’m really thankful for the energy God gave me when I was younger to raise my kids! Children take an enormous amount of time. I am reminded to always keep our young families in prayer for steadfastness each day in God’s strength.

I don’t necessarily enjoy roller coasters, but this crazy, eventful life God has given me is definitely a reminder that I need to stay grounded in him through all the unexpected turns and somersaults He faithfully allows in my plans. For His good. Because I love Him and am called by Him!

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I pray your direction is clear, your plans remain flexible and your Savior blesses the socks off your feet as you follow Him in all things! 

Broken Hearts

Back then, she would have proudly told you she could do anything. With enough hard work, she would have the life she dreamed. Dependence on others showed weakness.

Broken Hearts – Broken Dreams – Broken Trust

Consider the following phrases. Work hard. Laborious effort means success and then doors to dreams will open. Others respond well to success. Hard work will get you where you want to go. Learn to live up to expectations. Hard work helps make the sacrifices of those who love you seem worthwhile. Be strong. Don’t disappoint.

She was not a beauty, and average in just about everything. She didn’t really having a single, outstanding talent, but was willing to spend hours in becoming a stellar student. She maintained a GPA worthy of receiving awards and recognition. In her senior year, an offer of full tuition to a well-known university was awarded. So it seemed, she could excel, with no need to rely upon anyone else but her own relentless drive and hard work.

Back then, she would have proudly told you she could do anything. With enough hard work, she would have the life she dreamed. Dependence on others showed weakness. She was convinced that she was solely responsible for the direction of her life. In fact, it was critical to take pride in yourself and your accomplishments in order to achieve goals. Help was seldom needed. Confidence in one’s self was unquestionably the key.

Confidence that proved she could do it all. Until that one day. Suddenly unable to direct her future. No matter how hard she tried, something she could not fix presented itself. For the first time, hard work and self-assurance, and doing the “right” things, didn’t produce the expected outcome. This was unimaginable. A total failure. It was at that lowest point she was forced to accept she lacked the power to determine the direction of her life. The independence and confidence that had always empowered, suddenly felt empty. Just about everyone around her bailed out. No one liked failure. It didn’t matter who was to blame. What happened?

Human reality. Sin. Self. Actions born out of pride, always looking for something more, something better. People tiring of imagined promises of happiness. Decisions made to end relationships that required more effort than seemed reasonable. Responsibilities seeming overwhelming. Then, after the bomb dropped, before the dust was even settled, came the realization that the source of her identity, fulfillment and hope wasn’t to be found in the person she originally thought was the answer to her future. The “I do’s”, the “I will’s”, the vows, all cast aside. Sin. Man’s sin. It happens. All the time. I am guilty. You are guilty. The affects are strong. Often pointed to those ignorant and unsuspecting. Often to those who have learned to rely on self because they are so engrossed at making things seem right that they don’t see what’s going on around them. Often to those who have fooled themselves into thinking they controlled the direction of their life. Most often to those who look to themselves for happiness and success. Always to those who hold themselves in greater esteem than their Savior.

Broken hearts, broken dreams, broken confidences stem from confused hearts, self-serving dreams, and misplaced trust.

Jeremiah understood his need of God. He desired God’s direction. Instead of being proud, he humbly acknowledged his weakness. Jer 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.

The Bible supports the truth of God being in control of all things. Read these verses from Proverbs.

Pr 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Pr 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.

No one wants to be dependent upon another. It seems weak. It feels disqualifying and restricting. Yet our relationship with God is built on dependence. Total dependence. We are unable to bring anything to the table of our own accord. We need His grace and mercy in all things. Complete dependence. Absolute reliance upon God.

Because God loves us, His grace is often shown through the consequences He allows in our lives. The horrific consequences of sin. Then, we fall to our knees, prostrate before Him. Crying to Him for help as our life support.

Ps 116:6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Is this a sign of weakness or wisdom? Both!

Recognizing our weakness bears the mark of wisdom. Understanding our dependence on God frees us from depending upon ourselves and others to make life meaningful.

Click here for continued study…

Focus Heavenward

Flash back to the spring of 1998. My first child was accepted into a college he had applied to. This was great news and this was not so great news as felt by a mother’s heart. This university happened to be located almost fifteen hundred miles away from home! Think the late 1990’s, before FaceTime was available to the general public. Keeping in touch was done by phone, email or snail mail. There was no snap chat or instant messaging, and pushing a “purchase” button on an Amazon shopping icon wasn’t familiar, if it even existed. We had cell phones but compared to the devices we have now, they were pretty slim in their options (however, not in their size!! They looked like big black walkie talkies with antennas, and forget fitting a phone into your jeans pocket!). Everyone we knew had land lines as their main phone connection.

I plastered a smile on my face to hide the hole in my heart and helped our son get ready for the grand adventure ahead of him. We decided to make the trip into a vacation for all of us. The traveling provided some good together time before the makeup of our family, as we knew it, changed forever.

We gave our son several prepaid phone cards, and after we helped settle him into his dorm room, we said good-bye. There is something about that first child moving out that brutally reminds parents that this person they had nurtured from birth until now, had always belonged to God. It’s something you know and fully accept and even want for them but the reality hits hard when you begin the long drive home with an extra seat in the van.

Ge 33:5 And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”

In accordance with Scripture, everything we have belongs to God. We are stewards of His creation. This includes our children!

Any type of change disrupts our comfort. The birth of a child, the release of a child, marriage, relocation, illness, loss of a friend, and even ministry changes, serving in a different area or assuming different responsibilities. It doesn’t matter whether it’s good, bad, exciting or disturbing, chosen or forced upon. Change is difficult and scary and leaves you feeling vulnerable.

What does one do with the emotions that accompany significant change?

In the world you turn towards the things that seem to offer stability, albeit temporal. You may concentrate on the things you feel you can control. You may decide to ignore changing circumstances until the point in which they must be acknowledged.

In the believing Christian world, the effects of change are still felt but (hopefully) the reaction is different. You turn towards God for peace and assurance. You trust He is in control and will guide your direction. You pray for perspective and a response that proves you are His child. You focus heavenward.

At the time of releasing my first child I began writing via email to him, signing each letter with the reminder to keep his focus heavenward no matter what circumstances were presented. (I always drew an arrow pointing upwards as a visual.) Focusing on God, keeping him close in heart is the one thing I knew would act as a comfort and guidance to my son. I’m not sure if that reminder did more for me or my child. But, I knew God’s plan was for good and I personally needed that constant message to keep my focus on His truth, His promises, His care and to trust in God’s ownership of my son.

How do you focus heavenward?

I had a website at that time under the name ‘Focus Heavenward’ with the statement that its purpose was to be used as a tool to look to the Bible for growth, purpose and encouragement. The site was a collection of past and present Bible studies and women’s retreats I had written over the years.

In order to focus heavenward, a direction is assumed. That direction is up. Up towards a higher position, up towards God. Up towards something that has greater value. In order to focus heavenward, faith in someone bigger than ourselves needs to have been claimed. In order to focus heavenward, a desire to give attention to someone other than ourselves is necessary. In order to focus heavenward, we need to follow the One whose established throne is in heaven.

Whenever life’s direction is significantly altered or disrupted from what is familiar, we respond in one of two ways. We fight it or we accept it. Fighting change won’t stop change, it will only make change more difficult. Accepting change as a necessary part of life will ease the paths of uncertainty.

God permits and sometimes even instructs circumstances in our lives in order to draw our eyes upward. Hanging onto God’s overwhelming love for His children, and His perfect plan and control of all things will allow us, through His grace, to focus heavenward through joyous times and even through tears.
Click here for more…

Tag: Direction

God’s Sovereignty

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God’s Abounding Love

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Providence

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For His Name’s Sake

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Misstep

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Nothing is Impossible!

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Rollercoasters and Socks

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Broken Hearts

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Focus Heavenward

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