Read: Ruth 2:1-20
So [Ruth] went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz. (v. 3 NIV)
Have you ever heard someone say or even caught yourself saying, “That sure happened to work out?” or “It just turned out that way?” Using those statements tends to leave out God, who weaves together everything for good in the lives of Christians.
Nothing “just happens” where God is concerned. However, the book of Ruth uses the phrase “as it turned out” to draw us into the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Reading this phrase makes us want to read on, to find out how God cared for these two widows who found themselves in a foreign city, hungry and destitute. Ruth decided to trek out to a barley field where the harvest was in full swing. She began to pick up the leftover grain. That’s when God worked in her “as it turned out” moment. Boaz, the owner of the field was a close relative. He treated her well by ordering the harvesters to leave extra grain for her.
Have you ever had one of those “it just turned out” moments? I sure have! My life is full of them and I imagine yours is too. Telling those stories draws people in, and opens up opportunities for us to talk about God who provides for us. —Steven Laman
As you pray, thank God for using the “it just turned out” moments in your life.
About the Author
Steven Laman is a writer and public speaker who has lived with cerebral palsy since his birth in 1970. Steven is a prolific devotional writer for Words of Hope, and the author of three books: My Journey God’s Grace, Strength in Weakness and My Grace Is Sufficient. He also volunteers as a teacher’s aide. He lives with his parents in Iowa.
