identify

“Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me since I am a foreigner?”

Ruth 2:10 ESV

Years ago, there was a sermon spoken at our church where we took out a piece of paper and wrote “I am walking in God’s favor”. I’ve carried that piece of paper with me from season to season, house to house, and sometimes when I least expect it — I reach into a zipper in my purse looking for a hair clip and there it is. A glimmer of hope when I seemingly need it most.

This brings to mind a verse in Ruth, where after what could easily be seen as the toughest journey of her life, someone extends an olive branch.

She’s come to a foreign land to take care of her mother-in-law and Boaz comes along and shows her a kindness she never expected. There is a lesson to be learned in Ruth’s humility. We see it when she says, “why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me since I am a foreigner?” This isn’t a place where we see people of the land treating her as an outcast in the obvious sense, but where we see her humbly identify as one.

She’s lost the identity she once had as a wife, and has devoted her life to serving. She isn’t asking for much, simply just to come along and work.

Boaz notices her and soon after provides exactly what she needs and then some. She thought all was lost. And how like God is it to give her exceedingly more than she asked or imagined for herself? Jehovah Jireh — our provider

He will never let you falter, my sister. Even when all hope seems lost, he will find a way to remind you of who you are and the favor you have already found in his eyes.

additional reading:

Luke 17:16-18 / 1 Samuel 25:23 / Romans 12:10 / Luke 1:48 / Matthew 25:35

reflect:

What is something God has spoken over you that you can write down and access when you need to be reminded of your worth?

centering prayer:

Lord, may I remember the words you have spoken over my life even in my toughest seasons. Thank you for the favor you speak over your children. Amen.