Waiting Well - Lessons from the book of Ruth

Life is full of waiting. But how well do we wait? Do we wait with worry, impatience, frustration, and anger?  Or calmly with peace, faith, and joy? Do we trust God while we wait? I don’t always wait well, but I am learning to trust. 

In the bible, we see the widow Naomi travel with her widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth, to her homeland, Judea. As widows they could be “redeemed” by a close male relative who was obligated by law to marry the widow and provide for her. Although Ruth was a Moabite, Naomi knew the laws of the Israelites in reference to redemption and directed Ruth on how to proceed to fulfill the requirements. 

“Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” (Ruth 3:18 ESV)

In this passage, Naomi waits patiently and trusts her relative Boaz will satisfy the rules of redemption according to Levitical law. (Leviticus 25) She waits patiently. She trusts the redeemer, Boaz, knowing he is a good man who will act honourably. He has shown respect and honour to Naomi as an elder and proven generous in providing food for her and Ruth from his fields. Naomi instructs Ruth on how to approach Boaz according to the law, then waits patiently for what will come next, trusting God’s plan. 

What a picture of trust and patience! Ruth trusted Naomi, who trusted Boaz, who trusted in the law, and eventually became Ruth’s redeemer. Their marriage became part of Jesus’ lineage.

Jesus is our redeemer (John 14:6). As believers, we can wait patiently, with anticipation for our redeemer to fulfill the law for us by bridging the gap between us and God. God’s promises will be fulfilled in our lives, but in his timing, not ours. Like Naomi, we can wait patiently and trust.

Some of the most significant figures in the Bible — Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David — had to wait many years for God's promises to be fulfilled. Everything that happened during their waiting season was used to prepare them for what God planned for them. 

We can wait with hope and trust for our prayers and promises to be fulfilled, knowing God will use our waiting season for our future purposes.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7 ESV)

What are you waiting for today? How can you rest in God's goodness today that will keep you from worrying about your tomorrow?

As you reflect on how God is faithful, know he will fulfill his promises according to his word, in his time.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)