Did Her Mother-in Law-Really Say That?

"Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.  When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

Ruth 3:3-5

I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine my mother-in-law telling me to lie down with a man.

Now, that I have your attention, let me refresh your memory of the story behind this verse that Naomi spoke to her widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth. 

As the story goes, Ruth was caring for her widowed mother-in-law after Ruth’s father-in-law, as well as her own husband, had passed away. Naomi loved Ruth as her own daughter, and had a desire for her to marry a man by the name of Boaz. A kinsman to the family, Boaz was an older wealthy man who Naomi knew could care for Ruth, so she would not have to live alone after the death of her husband. 

The truth of the matter is, Boaz had already been attracted to Ruth, and shown her favor when they were gleaning in the fields together at harvest time.  So, we might say, a “romantic interest” was possibly already brewing. 

So, I have to ask. Was there some manipulation by Naomi's part to speed up this relationship? I mean those are some pretty interesting steps to take to win a man. In reading the story, I don't recall Naomi seeking the Lord on how Ruth should be cared for after the death of her husband, but took it upon herself to make her dream for her daughter-in-law become a reality.

As we know, the noble dream did work out for Ruth at the end of the story because the marriage was actually part of God’s plan, and Ruth became a part of the linage of Christ through her marriage to Boaz.  We might conclude that Naomi did not even have to play a manipulating cupid role.

I have to tell you that there have been times I have decided to take things into my own hands. I had a dream, but instead of seeking guidance and timing for the Lord, I tried to manipulate things in attempt to make it happen quicker and in the order of how I wanted it. 

Proverbs 16:9 says:

In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.

I believe our purpose can start with God-given passions and dreams. However, it does not end there. God wants us to acknowledge Him and seek how, where and when we should take the next steps.

Where are you today?  Do you have a dream?  Are you seeking God and His Word or trying to make it happen with your own steps?   

Personal reflection:

1.     Do you have a God-given dream?

2.     If so, could you be manipulating your steps to achieve it in your own way, instead of God’s way?

3.     Where are you in the Created Woman process of fulfilling your purpose?

                  Dreams, Healing, Identity, Health, Purpose Inside Out

Crystal Breaux

Style Speaks VI: Your Story Begins Here
Presented by Created Woman & Events Unleashed

One-on-one speed coaching ~ Lounge Sessions ~ Shopping ~

Fashion Show ~ Food & Drink ~ Fun

Entrepreneurs, dreamers, philanthropist & fashionistas, will come together for a day packed with power lounge session and one-on-one speed coaching featuring speakers and mentors from every generation. At Style Speaks, you will leave with a plan and next steps for your dream, business and faith walk.