Redeeming Ruth

I have been listening to the sermon series, Redeeming Ruth by Mark Driscoll at Mars Hill Church. It has been super helpful as I encourage my single sisters -and myself- to wait on the Lord. He is at work and His timing is perfect.

One 'parable' I have been using to encourage is this:

There is a young woman who is protected and loved by her family. She has some trials but overall lives a quiet life. In college she meets a wise and godly man and after graduation, they are married. This woman loves and appreciates her husband.

There is a second woman -a Moabite if you will- who grows up in a perverse community. No father protecting her, no mother teaching her. She is used and abused for the majority of her life until she meets Jesus and flees from that life. She waits years "past her prime" as the Lord is growing and sanctifying her. Finally, past the age of "normal" cultural Christian marriage, she is married to a wise and godly man. How much more will this woman love her husband? How much more will she appreciate and rejoice over this gift from her Father? In eternity, how much more will this woman rejoice over no more tears in heaven and communion with her Redeemer?!

God has a hand in our suffering.

God has a hand in our 'luck' (His sovereignty).

God has a hand in our blessing.

God has a hand in our risks.

God has a hand in our redemption.

Seek patience my dear sisters. God is working in you and also in your future husband -you may not want him yet! ;-)

Do not let impatience lead you to initiating and thus emasculating a man. You do not want to mess with God's design.

Godly men seek godly women, so seek first the Kingdom wholeheartedly. Ultimately, we are daughters of the Most High God. We serve Him and in the end, WE GET JESUS! The perfect man. The perfect Redeemer. The perfect Bridegroom.

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14