Ruth, and other verses

The Memphis life has been pretty dull lately, what with the endless studying.

(I did go to the Sunday school Christmas party last night, but alas, my camera had a dead battery.  Sooooo me.  Never fear, I will make those double-chocolate sugar cookies again over the holidays!)

Speaking of Sunday School ...

Lately we've been delving into the story of Ruth.  There are so many amazing life lessons that can be gleaned from that woman, but one has really been speaking to me - the way she, as Mitchell phrases it, "leans into God's plan for her life".  (not to put words in his mouth, but I think the word is "submits".  Yes, I know some of us 21st-century women think this is a dirty word, but it sure seems like the most amazing, Godly love comes to those who submit!  anywho ...)

I absolutely love this verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Isn't that so reassuring?  Goodness, if God had everything so perfectly orchestrated for the exiles, I know He has a plan for my life.  That is not where I get hung up.

This is:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and He will make your paths straight."  

(Proverbs 3:5-6, NASV)

Of course, my human understanding (or lack thereof, inability thereof, etc) just gets in the way. Does anyone else try to rationalize and sort out every teensey little thing?  Or maybe that's just me.  Goodness sometimes I just wish I could understand (or maybe have some prophetic handwriting on the wall...)  Okay, so obviously my human brain is never going to fully grasp it, thus the beauty of trusting Him.

I also love this verse, which to me sort of explains why I will never fully grasp the ways and means of God:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

(Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

Isn't that absolutely a-mazing? What He is thinking, planning, and doing in our lives we could not even imagine. Pretty incredible.  

So back to Ruth ... with promises like these, I can only pray to be a woman who submits to leans into God's design like she did.

Happy work week, everyone!