Love Like a Mother -- Naomi and RuthSample

A Field of Honor

…in someone else’s field you might be harmed. (Ruth 2:22 NIV)

When it comes to family, it is far too easy to become trapped in the revolving door cycle of “what if?”. What if I had spent more time with them? What if I hadn’t lost my temper? What if I’m not meant to be a mother? What if I wasn't ready? What if I had taken them to church more? What if I was too harsh, or too soft, or too distant, or too demanding? What if my expectations were too much, or too little? What if I ruined them? What if I did it all wrong?

These anxious thoughts, as you well know, can be crippling. They can freeze time and keep you trapped in a mindset that leaves you self-critical, insecure, full of self-blame, and blinds you to the absolute mercy and grace of God. There is a vast difference between self-assessment and self-condemnation. It is healthy and fruitful to consider how your own hand has played into the opportunities God has given you. But on the other hand, it is painful and unnecessary to continue punishing yourself for what Jesus has already paid the ultimate price for. By His stripes, you have been healed. Careful consideration of your choices stems from a desire to learn and grow, whereas condemnation stems from a place of shame and regret, which inevitably leads to stagnation.

Consider instead this question: what if you did exactly as God intended?

If you truly believe He works all things together for the good of those who love Him if you believe the Lord establishes your steps, and if you believe that despite the many plans in your mind, it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand, then the critical what if you’re holding onto deserves nothing more than a fleeting acknowledgment. Allow your heart and mind to shift. Ask yourself: is what I’m thinking true? Is it God-breathed? Is it backed by Scripture? If not, deliver that thought to the feet of the cross and let it vanish.

When Naomi discovers that their guardian-redeemer has taken Ruth under his wing, she responds, not with jealousy at her inability, but with gladness about his ability. In many ways, the kindness and favor of Boaz were exactly what Naomi prayed for when she and Ruth left Moab for her home. She knew that securing a better future for Ruth involved leading her to provision, not necessarily producing it herself. Now, in the most unforeseen way, the first signs of her blessing for Ruth had entered the scene. Naomi was not about to miss God’s hand in it because she had the right ‘what ifs’ in mind.

…in someone else’s field you might be harmed.

Although this statement does not blatantly ask what if, it still implies an alternative to their reality. In the field of Boaz, Ruth is safe. But what if she had gleaned elsewhere? What if she were to forfeit the protection, provision, kindness, mercy, favor, and generosity of her guardian-redeemer? Away from him, she might be harmed by someone else.

For each of us, there is a field that we should be found in. A field we were meant to walk. What if you tried gleaning in someone else’s field? What if you sought your share in less honorable fields, under an owner less kind? What if you strayed from your Guardian-Redeemer? What if you rebelled against the path God has laid out for you to walk?

With Jesus, you have the same guarantee as Ruth. As children of God, we have found favor in His eyes. You will find that He multiplies what you gleaned in obedience and that you have His favor simply by abiding in His presence. Though the work is still difficult, there is a blessing found in your labor. The circumstances and choices that led you to this moment are not beyond the redeeming power of God. What you wanted for your life in some ways may not be what you got, but in someone else’s field, you might be harmed. In someone else's field, the end of the story may be vastly different. There is no what if when it comes to Jesus because He is I AM. There is no gamble or waste when you choose to work in the field He has called you to. A gamble implies stakes, risk, and an outcome that is left to chance. What we have in our Savior is so much more. You will work hard, you will face hardship, but He has overcome. Consider this, what if your greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God is not something you do, but someone you raise?

Think about these questions for your own life: What is it that God has called you to do? How do your children fit into that calling? How closely does your view of motherhood line up with how God views the role? In what ways can the critical "what if" questions in your own heart and mind be shifted this week? In what way can you use today's lesson to encourage another mother?