SIT STILL AND WAIT

WHAT'S YOUR HURRY?

Ruth 3 tells an amazing story with a great message to the possible dilemma most women faced today.

You are told, "if you want something bad enough you must go after it." The story in Ruth is also suggested as a basis for the statement. There is a missing ingredient that is often overlooked and that is..... Waiting- for the right moment! The right thing can be the wrong thing if not done at the right time!

In Ruth 3:14-18, Ruth followed the instructions of her mother-in-law Naomi. She was patient and did not take advantage of the situation or the open opportunity that could cause her hurt and her integrity:

14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

15 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

You will note that she did not rush into the opportunity of her availability or vulnerability but kept herself reserved for Boaz to see and notice her. She did not forced herself on him or call up a couple of girlfriends either, but kept her mouth quiet and laid down until morning.

Notice that she didn't have to give up anything, but verse 17 sates that he told her do not go back empty and filled up her veil before he knew her.

If you learn to wait you'll go back with something instead of being stripped of your everything!

TODAY'S FOCUS: YOU WILL BE REWARDED

How would you have dealt with this situation had you been Ruth? (Read the entire chapter of Ruth 3)

• Would you follow all the instructions of Naomi?
• Would you be quiet abut the matter?
• Would you take advantage of the situation?
• Would you follow further instructions?

Let's take a look at what could have happened:

Ruth could have taken advantage of the opportunity.  Boaz was tired and full from eating a hearty meal.  She could have slept with him and probably trap him into a pregnancy so he would have to marry her. Perhaps make a big stir and letting everyone know she was in the threshingfloor or even compromise her reward of getting Boaz.  She could have been stuck with the other kinsman.   

Ruth was rewarded.  It appears that Boaz knew of her and had watched her at work. He heard about her reputation from the other workers.  He knew she was different, and because of that he wanted to make sure that everything was taken care of first before he made a move.  He knew there was someone else in front of him and wanted to make sure that nothing stood between them.  Ruth was willing to follow the wisdom of her wise mother in law and..... SIT STILL AND WAIT!

Today, most women are in a hurry, they don't care if the man is married and have not gotten his divorce yet.  "They buy lies that say, they don't sleep together, they don't live together, they don't talk, he never loved her etc..... and would compromise themselves to giving up too easy.  Some women are the aggressor.  They would not wait for all this protocol like Ruth, but would try to get in good before they know what the man's agenda, motive or plans for them are.  

Naomi's wisdom proves that it pays to wait.  Let first things be done first.  Let him get rid of his past or prepare for you before you sell yourself short.  You should not lose anything before you make that commitment.  In your courtship, in the process let him show you what he is about before you show your goods.  If you wait long enough you would know his motives and his intentions. 

Remember, don't be too much in a hurry, but learn to sit and wait for the process. Follow instructions given by your mentor.  Don't expose or indulge before all has been completed.  You cannot enter into a new contract for the same thing if you still have one existing- Settle old accounts!  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

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