The summer of 1992 I was with a group of men on a ministry project. One of them was adamant that he wanted to swim across the river before he left. So one afternoon we decided to attempt the feat. After safety preparations, assigned jobs and required communication protocols I loaded up the boat and crossed the river. On the other side the swimmer wadded into the water and began the swim. Now you need to know that water in Alaska is above freezing in the summer, but it is not anywhere near warm. I piloted the boat while some shouted encouragement to the swimmer and others took pictures to document the event. We eventually made it safely across and across and the swimmer was all smiles. However, as we looked at what we just accomplished we realized that we went much farther downstream because of the river’s current, as compared to the half mile or so straight across the river. In Ruth chapter 3 Naomi and Ruth had to wait before the redeeming work of Boaz became complete. Today, as with Naomi and Ruth, God may strengthen us to go a little farther and wait a little longer before we see His result. Will we wait for His results or will we give in to impatience? Like with Ruth, Naomi and the swimmer, if we lose hope and give up to soon we will miss the joy that God has for us on the other side. Trust in God who redeems you and His plans for your life even if you have to wait for them to be worked out.
For more see Ruth