There are certainly times, even seasons of life where I am tempted to ask, “Where is God in all of this?” I would guess that each and every one of us could relate. It is all too easy to wonder: “Is God in the details?” “Is God’s hand active in our circumstances?”
In Ruth 2:1-13 we find an account where there appears to be one coincidence after another happening in the life of Ruth. Now, a coincidence is an event coming together by chance. The writer is creatively introducing us to the reality that what can appear at first to be a coincidence, really is the providence of God. The world and our lives are not ruled by chance or fate but by God, who lays bare His purposes in redemptive history. We discover that the events unfolding in Ruth’s life are not coincidental, but God’s faithful and effective care and guidance of everything that He has made toward the redemptive end that He has chosen. In short, God is in the details of Ruth’s life even though His workings are not necessarily apparent.
If we were to look back at Ruth chapter one we would discover a life story that is introduced to us at a low point, there was a famine that led a family to leave their homeland in search of the daily necessities. While there, the family was plagued by death leaving Naomi, the matriarch and her two daughters-in-law, widows. They hear the news that the famine was over, and Naomi returns home with one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth. The account leads one to wonder where God is in all the loss and pain. However, out what appears to be hopelessness is a glimmer of hope. These two widows experience what, at a casual glance, seems to be coincidences, but in reality in the loving hand of God in the details of their life.
In one way or another, I think we can all relate to Ruth’s journey, All of us have wondered if God is in the details. Perhaps, you are sitting amid a situation where God’s hand is not evident. You feel alone. I encourage you to take courage. God is working. The things of life are not merely left up to luck. We may not understand the plan, but God has one. We can find rest in Him even in the unknown because God is actively present.
For each of us, it is a good reminder to replace thoughts of coincidence with an understanding of God’s hand always at work. It is good to be reminded to place our whole-self in His capable hands. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like for each of us to believe that God is in the details. I believe that our confidence in the Lord would birth within us the ability to trust God no matter what the circumstances. Think about it…the peace of God would be ours, and the power of God manifested throughout our lives.
It is an honor to be on mission with each of you. Let’s encourage one another to believe that God is always in the details. Let’s be encouraged that as His children He is always with us. Let’s hold on to Jeremiah 29:11: “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.” God is in the details, even when we can’t see Him at work and is working for the good of His own. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!