Ruth 2:12 - God’s Got You Covered

Step 1: Pray. Select.

The past few days have presented several unexpected challenges within our household. Without the Holy Spirit's guidance, I honestly don’t know how I would have handled the fiery trials of everyday life.

As I sat at our breakfast table with my daughter this morning, she brought the Book of Judges to the top of my mind. I needed a refresher on a few things within the chapters, and the Holy Spirit pointed out a connection between the Book of Ruth and Judges.

I began reading through the first few chapters of Ruth, which pertain to Judges; this is where the Holy Spirit led me today.

Let’s get started with our practice, friends. Examining Ruth 2:12.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

Ruth 2:12 - May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

• May The LORD Repay You

• Rewarded By

• Wings You Have Come To Take Refuge

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words that stood out, here is the personalized sentence placed upon my heart. Don’t forget, if you are doing this alongside me today, to add your name to your unique sentence:

• Jennifer, may the LORD repay you, rewarded by wings you have come to take refuge.

Step 4: Visualize

As I meditate on my sentence from the Holy Spirit, I can’t help but picture myself crouching down on the ground, ready to succumb to whatever is going to hit me next. I tuck my arms, legs, and feet tightly until I am almost completely in a ball. I clench my teeth and close my eyes, squinting to seal them shut, bracing for my final blow.

Suddenly, a large shadow passes over me, creating a darkness that I can see and feel, even with my eyes closed. I anticipate the worst.

I hear a swosh, and whatever is looming above me disturbs the atmosphere around me, causing a wave of wind to come crashing down like a tidal wave on a beach. Then everything goes quiet. I notice it is significantly darker than before and know it is above me. Waiting for me to open my eyes. It feels like it is now all around me, like a tent entrapping me inside.

Knowing I can’t stay in a ball with my eyes squeezed shut forever, I eventually begin to crack open my eyelids. My jaw is tired from clenching, and I realize I have been holding my breath.

As I take my first peak, I see that the darkness is not darkness at all. But rather a shade from a gigantic wing. It is warm and peaceful. It is beautiful. The feathers are pure white and incredibly lush. They are strong and hold firm in their place. I stand up and run my fingertips along their every detail.

The Holy Spirit is showing me that it doesn’t matter what is happening outside of this shelter; I am always covered. Nothing I choose will cause him to remove me from his love for me as long as I claim him. If I claim him, he will always claim me. He will cover me, so I must stop trying to figure out and wrestling with my next steps. No matter what, he has got me covered, which is the greatest reward of all.

I moved to Step 5 since I had a question.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The words that came to mind were:

• Holy Spirit, please help me settle my soul through these turbulent times. Tell me today what to do to keep my peace no matter what comes. Truthfully, I do not feel I am doing a great job of keeping my peace.

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

“You ask a question, but you already have a promise. It didn’t matter that Ruth lost greatly when her beloved husband passed. The LORD already has a place, a covering for her with Boaz, who waited ahead. She just had to travel for a while to get to her safe haven. You are obedient and walking in faith; keep going so you can get to and recognize your land when you arrive. It might be hard to see after traveling such a long way. But you will feel it. Your Boaz has already planted seeds that will spring up a place for you to take refuge under. Breathe. Let your body fill with the Numa breath of life. Go forward encouraged; the hand of God is and will continue to be over the things you touch and are given by the LORD your God. Be confident today, for your season is coming in due time.”

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Heavenly Father, I come to you in the precious name of your son, Jesus. Thank you for providing this powerful visual to help me understand that you always cover me through all seasons.

I humbly come to you to confess I don’t know what to do in all these trying situations I face. Let me rest under your wing and be grateful for my amazing husband, my Boaz, which you have led me to, so I can rest my head.

Help me remain in the order of Jesus, and through a daily practice of obedience, as Ruth so eloquently displayed by following her mother-in-law Naomi, let me rest knowing your promises are on the way. Let me not open the doors you don’t intend for me to open, and let me rest in the field waiting for the harvest to rise up.

I pray this prayer and seal it with the precious blood of Jesus - Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Remember to spread hope and share your miracle or testimony HERE. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Today, let’s rest in the fact God is covering all our footsteps.

Take a moment to ask yourself if there is a Boaz in your life who supports you and provides the safety that God has placed in your path. Let’s thank God and our Boaz today while standing firm in God's promises that we are safe from the enemy’s snares.

Stay encouraged, friends! God bless your day ahead.