Just some thoughts I had today...
We are currently reading through Ruth.
Ruth did what people told her to do i.e. her mother-in-law told her to lie on the threshing floor where Boaz (her future husband) lay. So Ruth did. Who are we supposed to follow? How do we know when advice is good? What advice should I take - I don't always hear God so what should I do? What do you do when God is quiet? Who's advice should you follow?
(Interestingly here - why would Ruth share a sleeping space with Boaz - is that not just staring temptation in the face? - Just an aside.)
Boaz did everything right and according to God - i.e. he knew he was not the next of kin in line to take on Ruth's deceased husband's land and wife. He could have just gone for it and taken it, but he did right in the sight of God asking the relatives next in line, before himself, therefore he had success and Ruth eventually became his new wife (which he wanted). Interesting. Do what God wants, and you will have success. But what if you really don't want to? Will you still be successful? Will you make a mess? What if you already have made some bad decisions? How do you face the consequences? Is all lost?
I like the footnote in theNIV study Bible on Ruth4.
'We must make our choices with God's eternal values in mind. Taking moral shortcuts and living for short-term pleasures are not good ways to move ahead. Because of Ruth's faithful obedience, her life and legacy were significant even though she couldn't see all the results. Live in faithfulness to God, knowing that the significance of your life will extend beyond your lifetime. The rewards will outweigh any sacrifice you have made.'
Interesting stuff. But how, when you just don't want to?
Tips? Thoughts? Comments?
xx
I read that and this came to mind! http://xkcd.com/310/ . Sorry :p
ReplyDeleteI think that at any point, we get to make decisions about the future. God's described his plans to us, and we've got loads of stories to tell us what he's like - so there's always somewhere to turn for guidance, I think. If nothing else, we've got minds of our own - if there's no choir of angels, we can look at the options ahead of us and choose one based on what we know about God and his plan. Whatever seems to fit in with what you know of God, right there and then, is probably a step in the right direction. And if it's not, God's big enough to deal with it.
If we don't listen to God, we'll miss out on some amazing things, but he's not vindictive; we don't only get one chance. He forgives, and doesn't hold your track record against you. I'm eternally grateful for that! Even if you actively turn away from him, he'll find awesome things for you - and how much better will they be if you accept them? Mixed metaphors, I know, but I think you get my point. Mess up now and he's not just gonna say "Nope, sorry, you had your chance. You're doomed to a boring life.". Well, I hope not, anyway!
xx
This was posted on Facebook by Suzy Innocenti...
ReplyDeleteUsually when you don't want to do something it is probably because of one or a number of reasons - 1) you don't see the end product and don't see how what you're being asked to do will help, 2) you're scared, 3) you're choosing to be disobedient, 4) you don't trust God and the fact that he has good plans for you. Ruth was a widow, in a foreign land with absolutely no money. She was a complete outsider. Some people don't even consider Ruth's book to be all that important - BUT, it is important because it shows how this woman, who was not all that significant and an outsider, became part of God's larger plan. She was blessed because of her obedience and patience. When God asks you to do something do it. You may not get it, you may not understand why and you may even think that there isn't a point. God isn't asking you to get it, he's asking you, inviting you, offering you a chance to take part in his plan. If you reject that then you only offer yourself up to your enemy. By being obedient there can only be blessing; by being obedient you allow God to work in your life. It's not about doing what you want, it's about doing what's right. However, everyone has a choice and if you want to do it all your way then God will let you do that. And God even has enough grace and mercy to forgive you. But the question is: do you want to miss out on what God has for you now? To say no to God or by ignoring him or by being disobedient is to say you want to be independent of him and by being independent of him you're not submitting to him. Wasn't the whole point in Jesus dying so that we could have a restored relationship with our father? He wants us to be dependent on him and that isn't a bad thing. He wants us to trust him. Jesus said to be as children are - i.e. trusting and dependent on God. So do it and live ready. We are the authors of our mistakes, no one else can be blamed. When God is quiet then you wait and go back to the previous thing he has said. Keep on doing what he said previously. If he tells you to do something do it, or miss out. Trust him and wait. x x x x
Thanks Rob - this is good stuff - i think also if God wants you to do something, He's not gonna play 'hunt the thimble' with you or keep stuff from you. If Hewants you to do stuff, He will tell you! I mean occasionally He witholds things until you seek Him and are close enough to Him so He can whisper (I like this idea) but other than that, He's not gonna be like 'hahaha I have this amazing thing for you to do, but I'm not going to tell you'. We just need to make sure we are in a place to listen and go when He says :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right :) God isn't always gonna act in the same way - we're made in his image, and we certainly don't! Sometimes he makes us chase after him, sometimes it's really obvious what we're supposed to do. God's awesome :) xx
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