Embracing God's Providence: Your Next Chapter Awaits
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to New Life Church. My name is Jeff, and I have the privilege of being one of the pastors here. Today, we are concluding our teaching series on the book of Ruth. I hope this series has been a blessing to you. If you haven't yet, make sure to check out our midweek podcast where we dive deep into real-life issues, including premarital sex, all through the lens of the book of Ruth.
Today, we are focusing on Ruth chapter 4. Have you ever looked at someone else's life and wished you had what they have? Maybe their career, family, or wealth? We often think the grass is greener on the other side, but we only see their current chapter, not the pain, loss, or heartbreak they went through to get there. The good news is that God has a new chapter for you. Your role is to be obedient to God so you can walk the path He has created for you.
The decisions you make today will determine the story you tell tomorrow. Are you happy with your current chapter? Do you want something better in your spiritual growth, marriage, or family? God has a plan to prosper you, not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future. To find God's next chapter for your life, we will look at three things Boaz needed: providence, planning, and prayer.
First, let's talk about the providence of God. Ruth is a book where you don't see big miracles, but you do see God's providence at work. Providence is when God uses natural circumstances to bring about His supernatural will. For example, Boaz went to the town gate and just then, the family redeemer he needed to talk to showed up. This wasn't a coincidence; it was God's providence. God uses your ordinary to bring about His extraordinary.
Next, you need a strategic plan. Boaz went to the city gate with a plan. When you sense the conviction of God to move, act now. Many of us miss the next chapter in our lives because we trust our own instincts more than God's. Boaz didn't let fear stop him; he acted immediately. He called ten city elders to witness his conversation with the family redeemer, Mr. No-Name. Boaz had a plan and he followed it, which led him to the next chapter God had for his life.
Lastly, you need faith-filled prayers. The book of Ruth is filled with short, faith-filled prayers. These prayers are powerful and can lead you to the next chapter God has for you. For example, the elders prayed that Ruth would be as important as the women who birthed the nation of Israel, and that prayer came true. Bethlehem became famous because Jesus was born there, and Ruth is mentioned in the lineage of Jesus.
So, no matter what your current chapter looks like, trust in the providence of God. Make a plan that honors God and loves people. And never stop praying short, faith-filled prayers. God has something amazing for your future. Your current chapter is not your final chapter. Trust God, make a plan, and pray. Let's stand and pray together.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Providence in Ordinary Circumstances: God's providence is at work in our lives through ordinary circumstances. We often overlook these moments, but they are crucial in bringing about God's extraordinary plans. Recognize and thank God for these moments, as they are His way of guiding us. [15:12]
2. The Importance of Obedience: The decisions we make today determine the story we tell tomorrow. Obedience to God is crucial in walking the path He has created for us. Trust God and make the right decisions today to experience the new chapter He has for you. [19:23]
3. Strategic Planning: Boaz had a strategic plan and acted on it immediately. When you sense God's conviction, act now. Trusting in your own instincts can keep you stuck in the same chapter. Make a plan that honors God and loves others to find the next chapter He has for you. [34:18]
4. Faith-Filled Prayers: The book of Ruth is filled with short, faith-filled prayers that had a significant impact. Never underestimate the power of these prayers. They can lead you to the next chapter God has for you. Keep praying and trusting in God's plan. [44:36]
5. Your Current Chapter is Not Your Final Chapter: No matter what your current chapter looks like, it is not your final chapter. God has a new chapter for you. Trust in His providence, make a plan that honors Him, and never stop praying. God has something amazing for your future. [49:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:12] - Introduction to Ruth Chapter 4
[16:30] - The Grass is Greener Syndrome
[19:23] - Decisions Today, Stories Tomorrow
[20:39] - Quick Review of Ruth
[22:09] - Ruth and Boaz's Story
[23:29] - Three Things You Need: Providence, Planning, and Prayer
[24:52] - Understanding God's Providence
[26:09] - Real-Life Example of Providence
[27:25] - Recognizing God's Providence
[28:43] - Personal Story of Providence
[30:00] - The Role of Pain and Change
[31:39] - Trusting God in the Ordinary
[33:01] - Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
[34:18] - The Need for a Strategic Plan
[35:42] - Acting on God's Conviction
[37:06] - Boaz's Immediate Action
[38:31] - The Family Redeemer's Decision
[40:10] - The Importance of Long-Term Vision
[41:39] - Making a Plan and Submitting it to God
[42:53] - Boaz's Bigger Plan
[44:36] - Faith-Filled Prayers
[46:25] - The Power of Short Prayers
[48:19] - Conclusion and Prayer
[49:55] - Final Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ruth 4:1-10
2. Jeremiah 29:11
3. Matthew 1:5
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event happens when Boaz goes to the town gate in Ruth 4:1? How does this demonstrate God's providence? [24:52]
2. What was Boaz's strategic plan when he went to the city gate, and how did he execute it? [34:18]
3. How do the elders' prayers in Ruth 4:11-12 reflect the power of faith-filled prayers? [44:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's providence in Ruth 4:1-10 challenge our understanding of how God works in our daily lives? [24:52]
2. In what ways does Boaz's immediate action upon sensing God's conviction serve as a model for us? [35:42]
3. How do the short, faith-filled prayers throughout the book of Ruth illustrate the importance of prayer in our spiritual journey? [44:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's providence in your life. How did it shape your faith and trust in Him? [24:52]
2. Boaz had a strategic plan and acted on it immediately. What is one area in your life where you need to make a plan and act on it? How can you ensure this plan honors God and loves others? [34:18]
3. The sermon mentioned that the decisions we make today determine the story we tell tomorrow. What decisions do you need to make today to align with God's plan for your future? [19:23]
4. How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to recognize and thank God for His providence? [33:01]
5. Think of a specific short, faith-filled prayer you can start praying daily. How can this prayer help you trust God more in your current chapter? [44:36]
6. Are you currently in a chapter of pain, loss, or struggle? How can you trust that this is not your final chapter and that God has a new chapter for you? [31:39]
7. How can you support someone else in your small group who might be struggling to see God's providence in their life? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? [49:55]
Devotional
### Day 1: Recognizing God's Providence in the Ordinary
God's providence is at work in our lives through ordinary circumstances. We often overlook these moments, but they are crucial in bringing about God's extraordinary plans. Recognize and thank God for these moments, as they are His way of guiding us. Providence is when God uses natural circumstances to bring about His supernatural will. For example, Boaz went to the town gate and just then, the family redeemer he needed to talk to showed up. This wasn't a coincidence; it was God's providence. God uses your ordinary to bring about His extraordinary.
In our daily lives, we may not witness grand miracles, but God's hand is still at work. The seemingly mundane events and encounters are often orchestrated by God to fulfill His greater purpose. By acknowledging and appreciating these moments, we can see how God is actively involved in our lives, guiding us toward His extraordinary plans. Take time to reflect on the ordinary moments in your life and recognize how God has been working through them.
[15:12]
Bible Passage:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent ordinary event in your life. How might God have been using that moment to guide you toward His greater plan? Can you thank Him for His providence today?
### Day 2: The Power of Obedience
The decisions we make today determine the story we tell tomorrow. Obedience to God is crucial in walking the path He has created for us. Trust God and make the right decisions today to experience the new chapter He has for you. The story of Ruth and Boaz illustrates the importance of obedience. Ruth's loyalty and Boaz's integrity led them to God's blessings. They trusted God's plan and made decisions that aligned with His will, resulting in a beautiful story of redemption and provision.
In our own lives, obedience to God can lead us to the blessings and new chapters He has prepared for us. It requires trust and faith, even when the path is unclear. By making decisions that honor God and align with His will, we can experience the fullness of His plans for our lives. Reflect on the decisions you are making today and consider how they align with God's will for your life.
[19:23]
Bible Passage:
"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land." — Isaiah 1:19 (ESV)
Reflection:
Are there any areas in your life where you are struggling to be obedient to God? What steps can you take today to align your decisions with His will?
### Day 3: Strategic Planning with God
Boaz had a strategic plan and acted on it immediately. When you sense God's conviction, act now. Trusting in your own instincts can keep you stuck in the same chapter. Make a plan that honors God and loves others to find the next chapter He has for you. Boaz's strategic planning at the city gate, where he gathered ten elders to witness his conversation with the family redeemer, demonstrates the importance of having a plan and acting on it. His immediate action and trust in God's guidance led him to the next chapter in his life.
In our own lives, having a strategic plan that honors God and loves others is essential. When we sense God's conviction, we should act promptly and not let fear or doubt hold us back. By trusting in God's guidance and making plans that align with His will, we can move forward into the new chapters He has prepared for us. Reflect on your current plans and consider how they align with God's will.
[34:18]
Bible Passage:
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." — Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
Reflection:
Do you have a strategic plan for your life that honors God and loves others? How can you take immediate action on God's conviction today?
### Day 4: The Impact of Faith-Filled Prayers
The book of Ruth is filled with short, faith-filled prayers that had a significant impact. Never underestimate the power of these prayers. They can lead you to the next chapter God has for you. Keep praying and trusting in God's plan. The elders' prayer for Ruth to be as important as the women who birthed the nation of Israel is an example of a faith-filled prayer that came true. Bethlehem became famous because Jesus was born there, and Ruth is mentioned in the lineage of Jesus.
In our own lives, faith-filled prayers can have a profound impact. These prayers, though short, are powerful and can lead us to the next chapter God has for us. By continually praying and trusting in God's plan, we can experience His guidance and blessings. Reflect on the power of your prayers and how they can shape your future.
[44:36]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." — Mark 11:24 (ESV)
Reflection:
What faith-filled prayers can you offer to God today? How can you trust in His plan and believe in the power of your prayers?
### Day 5: Embracing Your New Chapter
No matter what your current chapter looks like, it is not your final chapter. God has a new chapter for you. Trust in His providence, make a plan that honors Him, and never stop praying. God has something amazing for your future. Your current chapter is not your final chapter. Trust God, make a plan, and pray. The story of Ruth and Boaz reminds us that God has a new chapter for each of us. Despite the challenges and hardships they faced, they trusted in God's providence, made plans that honored Him, and prayed faithfully.
In our own lives, we may face difficult chapters, but they are not the end of our story. God has a new chapter for us, filled with hope and a future. By trusting in His providence, making plans that honor Him, and praying faithfully, we can embrace the new chapters He has prepared for us. Reflect on your current chapter and consider how you can trust God for the new chapter He has for you.
[49:55]
Bible Passage:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." — Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Reflection:
What steps can you take today to trust in God's providence and embrace the new chapter He has for you? How can you make a plan that honors Him and pray faithfully for His guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Have you ever had a moment where you looked at someone else's life and you were like, I wish I had their life? You ever had one of those moments where you've looked at someone else, you were like, man, I wish I had their life. Or maybe you looked at them and you were like, I wish I had that thing they have. So maybe you've looked at another person and you've said to yourself, I wish I had the career that they had, or I wish they had the, I wish I had the family that they have. I wish I had the wealth that they have, or I wish that they had the marriage like they have. I wish I had children like they have children. I mean, have you ever been in a spot where you've looked at someone else and you said, I want that. Like, that's what I want. I want what they have." [16:30]
2. "We always think that where we're at is where the brown grass is at, and where you're at is where the green grass is at. All of us, all of us, even where you're at right now, you're thinking it could be better over there, I think. No, I'm going to tell you the greenest grass you're ever going to have is where you are if you'll water it and you'll fertilize it. If you'll take care of it, no matter what you're dealing with." [17:54]
3. "The decisions that you make today are going to determine the story you tell tomorrow about your life. You want a new chapter for tomorrow? It's all going to be built off of the decisions that you make today. Are you going to be obedient to God? Are you going to trust God? Are you going to lean in? Are you going to sacrifice, right? Are you going to give whatever it's going to take for you to experience that? Because the only way you get to tell a new story about a new chapter tomorrow is by being obedient and making the right decisions today." [19:23]
4. "God's using your ordinary to bring about his extraordinary. I love that about God. I love that. God's going like this. He goes, look, I'm not going to open up the clouds and have the sun turn into a face and speak to you because that would be weird. But what I am going to do is I'm going to use natural circumstances and eventually you'll see it. But many times, many times you won't even notice that I'm doing this until it's well over." [26:09]
5. "You want a plan that's going to help you find God's next chapter for your life? Don't center the plan just around you. Center it around the things that honor God, loving God and loving others. And when you do that, you more often than not will find the next chapter God has for your life." [42:53]
### Quotes for Members
1. "You only see their current chapter. You only see how they are living right now. You don't know how they got there, and you don't know the full story. Listen to me. You weren't there when that person went through the chapter called pain. They had to go through pain to get where they're at. You weren't there when they went through the chapter called loss. You weren't there for that. You weren't there for their chapter called defeat. You weren't there for their chapter called heartbreak. Like, you weren't there. You didn't see those things. All of those things they walked through to get where they are. You just want what they have. You want the microwave version of the better marriage, the microwave version of the career, or the family, or their children. Like, that's what you want. But you weren't there when they walked through the chapter called insecurity. You weren't there when they walked through the chapter where they were crying out to God, and they were angry at God, and they were doubting the love of God. You weren't there." [17:54]
2. "So, look, I want you to know today, I got good news for you. The good news about today's message is this. God has a next chapter for you. Would you just turn two to three people and just tell them this, with a smile on your face, just tell them this. God has a new chapter for you. Come on, just tell two or three people really quick. God's got a new chapter for you. Now, that's good news. I hope you said it with a smile on your face, right? I mean, think about that no matter where I am right now, God has already written a new chapter for me. And my role in life is to find obedience to God so that I can walk the path God has created for me so that I can experience the new chapter that he has for me. That's out of obedience." [19:23]
3. "You want to find God's next chapter for your life? Okay, then you got to lean in on the providence of God. The providence of God. Ruth is an interesting book. Ruth is a book where you don't really find any big time miracles taking place. You don't, you don't have the physical healings. You don't have the Red Sea parting, right? You don't have the sick being healed. You don't have water being turned into wine. But what you do have is you have the providence of God at work throughout the entire book. Here's what that means. The providence of God is when God uses natural circumstances to bring about his supernatural will. And this is happening in all of our lives. All the time, God's using natural circumstances to bring about his supernatural will in your life." [23:29]
4. "So if you want to find God's next chapter for your life, you have to recognize the provision of God, okay? You have to make a plan to follow it. And then lastly, here's what you need. You need faith-filled prayers. Faith-filled prayers. The whole book of Ruth is filled with short, faith-filled prayers. Chapter 1, verse 9. Chapter 1, verse 9. Naomi says this, may the Lord give you a husband. Chapter 2, verse 4. Boaz, may the Lord be with you. Chapter 2, verse 12. Boaz, may the Lord be." [44:36]
5. "You want the next chapter of God in your life? Sometimes there's pain involved. Ruth also, she had to walk through a period of time where she had to leave Moab. She had to turn her back on, we called Moab sin as well. We called it Moab sin because God wants you to walk away from. She had to walk away from that. She left her family. She left her culture. She left everything. She turned her back on it. She turned her face towards God. She changed her normal." [31:39]
6. "You will, you'll miss the next chapter of the God in your life if you're fixated on the short-term. If you're fixated on the here and now, fix my problems, take care of this today, do this right now. Every time you get fixated on the short-term, it's most likely you're going to miss the next chapter of God in your life. Let me give you another one. If you're concerned about how it makes you look, you're most likely going to miss the next chapter of God in your life." [41:39]
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