Grace in the Field: Discovering God's Providence in the Ordinary
Have you ever experienced one of those "just so happened" moments in life? Perhaps you ran into an old friend in an unexpected place or narrowly avoided disaster due to a seemingly random delay. While these occurrences may appear coincidental, they often reveal a deeper truth: God's providence at work in the ordinary details of our lives.
The story of Ruth beautifully illustrates this concept. As a widowed foreigner in a new land, Ruth found herself gleaning in the fields to survive. "As it turned out," she ended up in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and kind man who would later become her husband. This seemingly chance occurrence was far from random – it was divine orchestration.
Providence is God's sovereign arrangement of events, both big and small, to fulfill His purposes and bless His people. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The emphasis here is on "all things" – not just the obviously spiritual moments, but even in life's frustrations and setbacks.
John Piper once said, "God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them." This profound statement invites us to consider the vast workings of God beyond our limited perception. Just as Ruth couldn't see the full picture of her future unfolding, we often fail to recognize God's hand guiding us towards His blessings.
The story of George Muller, who ran orphanages in 19th century Bristol, provides a striking example of God's behind-the-scenes provision. One morning, with no food for the children's breakfast, Muller gathered them to pray and thank God for the meal He would provide. Moments later, a baker arrived with fresh bread, followed by a milkman whose broken-down cart left him with excess milk to donate. God had set these events in motion long before the need arose.
While we may desire dramatic signs or clear visions from God, His guidance often comes through small nudges and ordinary decisions. Psalm 37:23-24 assures us, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Our task is to keep walking faithfully with Jesus, even when we don't fully understand His plan.
This truth extends to the very heart of the gospel. Long before we recognized our need for salvation, God was arranging the cross and resurrection of Christ. His grace goes before us, calling us home even before we realize our need to return.
The story of Ruth also teaches us about faith-filled obedience. When faced with poverty, Ruth didn't passively wait for a miracle. Instead, she took initiative, saying to her mother-in-law, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain." This ordinary act of obedience opened the door for God's extraordinary grace.
Often, we can become paralyzed by the fear of missing God's will, but sometimes the call is simply to "do something" in faithful obedience. Throughout scripture, faith is portrayed as an active force – Noah built, Abraham went, Moses left. Faith moves us; it doesn't keep us stationary.
It's in the unseen, ordinary acts of obedience that many of God's biggest blessings begin. As Jesus taught in Luke 16:10, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." When we're faithful in the small things – showing up, making godly decisions, persevering in spiritual disciplines – we prepare ourselves for God's greater purposes.
The character of Boaz in Ruth's story offers a powerful picture of God's heart for the outsider. Boaz didn't merely allow Ruth to glean in his fields; he actively ensured her safety, welcomed her, and provided abundantly beyond the minimum requirements of the law. His actions reflect both obedience to God's word and the compassion of God's heart.
This portrayal of Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer" foreshadows an even greater truth – Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer. Like Ruth, we were once outsiders, spiritually bankrupt and far from God. But as Ephesians 2:13 declares, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Where Boaz gave barley to meet Ruth's immediate needs, Jesus offers us eternal life. Where Boaz obeyed the law, Jesus fulfilled it perfectly and poured out grace far beyond its requirements. In Christ, we find not just temporary shelter, but full citizenship in God's kingdom, a permanent home, and adoption into His family.
For those who feel like outsiders, the invitation of Christ echoes through time: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Jesus doesn't ask us to perform better or work harder to earn a place at His table. He simply says, "Come."
The abundance of God's provision in Christ far exceeds our expectations. Jesus proclaimed, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). When we come to Him, He doesn't ration out His grace but lavishes it upon us without measure.
As we reflect on these truths, we're invited to trust God's providence in our own lives. Where do you need to believe that God is working behind the scenes for your good? It might be in your work, finances, health, or relationships. Even when you can't see the end of the story, you can choose to trust God's character.
The fields of God's grace are open to all who will enter. We don't have to beg for scraps or try to earn His favor. His provision is overflowing, and His invitation is clear. As Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
May we, like Ruth, step out in faith-filled obedience, trusting that our Redeemer is already at work, orchestrating His providence in the ordinary moments of our lives.