The Courage to Glean: Stepping Out in Faith Like Ruth

And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.”

Ruth 2:15–16

Alright, let’s dive into this beautiful passage and see how it resonates with the heart of what we discuss here at Moralisee.com.

Imagine Ruth, a woman of deep loyalty and unwavering devotion, stepping into the fields of Bethlehem. She’s not there for leisure, not for a casual stroll. She’s there because life has dealt her a tough hand, a hand many of us understand—grief, uncertainty, and the weight of responsibility. She’s gleaning, a practice allowed for the poor and marginalized, a testament to God’s provision even in the most challenging circumstances. She sees the scattered grain, a symbol of sustenance, and with a humble heart and determined spirit, she gathers it. Each stalk, each kernel, represents not just food, but hope. It’s provision, a lifeline for her and Naomi, her mother-in-law.

Now, let’s pause and consider the reality of Ruth’s situation. She was a foreigner, a Moabite, in a land that was not her own. She was widowed, vulnerable, and dependent on the kindness of strangers. Yet, she didn’t succumb to despair. She didn’t sit idle, waiting for a miracle. She took action. She entered the field, a space that might have felt intimidating, a place where she could have easily been overlooked. But she worked. She gleaned.

And then, something remarkable happened. Boaz, the owner of the field, noticed her. He saw her diligence, her humility, and her unwavering loyalty to Naomi. But more than that, he saw her heart. He saw her character. And in his kindness, in his graciousness, he instructed his men to “let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her.”

Think about that for a moment. “Purposely.” Not by accident, not by chance, but intentionally. Boaz, a man of wealth and influence, chose to bless Ruth. He orchestrated abundance for her. He commanded provision to be scattered along her path. This wasn’t merely about meeting a practical need; it was about extending grace, showing favor, and acknowledging her worth.

This, my friends, is a beautiful reflection of our relationship with Jesus, our heavenly Boaz. He sees us. He knows our struggles, our fears, our needs. He sees our hearts, our faithfulness, our willingness to step out in faith. And just as Boaz commanded his men to bless Ruth, Jesus commands blessings to be poured out upon us. He instructs His angels to scatter provision along our paths, to open doors of opportunity, to shower us with His grace.

The fields we walk in may look different from Ruth’s. They might be the fields of our careers, our relationships, our ministries, or even our personal struggles. But the principle remains the same. Jesus, in His infinite love and mercy, is intentionally placing blessings within our reach.

“All we have to do is to go out into the fields and pick them up,” we say, and it’s true. But it’s not a passive act. It requires faith, courage, and a willingness to step beyond our comfort zones. It means trusting that even when we don’t see the provision, it’s there. It means believing that even when we feel insignificant, we are seen and valued by our Heavenly Father.

When we talk about “picking them up”, we are not just talking about physical things. We are talking about picking up opportunities, picking up healing, picking up peace, and picking up joy. We are talking about picking up the very presence of God in our lives.

Think about the doors of opportunity that stand before you. Perhaps it’s a job you’ve longed for, a relationship you’ve prayed for, or a ministry you’ve felt called to. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Prepare yourself, equip yourself, and step out in faith. Just as Ruth entered the field, enter the spaces where God is calling you.

Remember, Ruth didn’t know Boaz’s plan. She didn’t know that he had commanded his men to bless her. She simply obeyed, she simply worked, and she simply trusted. And in her obedience, she experienced God’s abundant provision.

This is the essence of faith: trusting God even when we don’t see the full picture. It’s believing that He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating blessings, and preparing a future for us that is brighter than we could ever imagine.

The phrase “Your future is bright!” isn’t just a nice saying, it is a declaration of faith. It is a declaration that even when things around us look dark, that the light of God shines brighter. It is a declaration that our God is a God of hope, a God of promise.

Here at Moralisee.com, we strive to illuminate these truths, to unpack the depths of God’s Word, and to inspire you to walk in the fullness of His grace. We want to provide a space where you can encounter the living God, where you can find encouragement and strength for your journey.

So, beloved, I invite you, I urge you, to explore Moralisee.com. Delve into our daily devotions, immerse yourself in the stories of faith, and discover the life-transforming power of God’s love. Let the Word of God speak to your heart, let it guide your steps, and let it fill you with the assurance that you are seen, you are loved, and you are blessed. Let us walk together, hand in hand, as we glean the abundant blessings that our Heavenly Boaz has so graciously provided.