Little Did She Know, That Amid the Sheaves--she Would Find a Husband!
God's providence guides us in our daily lives, often surprising us with unlooked for blessings when we trust in Him.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the providence of God in the life of Ruth, who, while gathering grain, unknowingly steps into a divine plan that leads her to Boaz, her future husband. This seemingly accidental encounter illustrates how God orchestrates events for those who trust in Him, turning humble beginnings into extraordinary blessings. Spurgeon reassures believers that nothing good will be withheld from them, and that even the smallest actions can lead to significant outcomes in God's plan. He encourages the congregation to recognize God's hand in their lives and to find comfort in His gracious dealings, just as He did with Ruth.
Text
"Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of land belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech's family." Ruth 2:3
"She happened." Yes, it seemed nothing but an accident--but how divinely was it overruled! Ruth had gone forth with her mother-in-law's blessing, under the care of her God--to humble but honorable toil; and the providence of God was guiding her every step! Little did she know, that amid the sheaves--she would find a husband; and that he would make her the joint owner of all those broad acres; and that she, a destitute foreigner, would become an ancestor of the great Messiah!
God is very good to those who trust in Him, and often surprises them with unlooked for blessings. Little do we know what may happen to us in the future; but this sweet fact should cheer us--that nothing which is really good for us--shall be withheld from us!
The word "chance" is banished from the Christian's vocabulary--for we see the hand of God in everything. The seemingly trivial events of today or tomorrow, may involve consequences of the highest importance. Take comfort--our Lord deals as graciously with all His servants--as He did with Ruth!
Sermon Outline
- God's Providence in Ruth's Life
- The Christian's Trust in God's Goodness
- The Christian's Perspective on Chance and Providence
- The Hand of God in Everyday Events
- Consequences of High Importance in Seemingly Trivial Matters
Key Quotes
“Little did she know, that amid the sheaves--she would find a husband; and that he would make her the joint owner of all those broad acres; and that she, a destitute foreigner, would become an ancestor of the great Messiah!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The word 'chance' is banished from the Christian's vocabulary--for we see the hand of God in everything.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God is very good to those who trust in Him, and often surprises them with unlooked for blessings.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can trust that God will provide for us and guide our lives, even when events seem accidental or trivial.
- The Christian perspective on chance and providence is that God's hand is in everything, and we should see His goodness in our daily lives.
- God deals graciously with all His servants, providing for them and guiding their lives.