9.27.2012

handfuls of purpose

Two weeks ago my husband lost his job. They said it wasn't financially feasible to keep him on staff. Were we surprised? Not really. Mostly because we saw it coming, and mostly because God has been doing some amazing things in our hearts this year and it seems to fit right in line with what He's been teaching us. Sometimes something creeps up inside of me that says, "Of course he lost his job. That's just the way things have been going for us anyway." It seems like the past 6 years we've been climbing hurdle after hurdle, only to face the next big thing. And here we are again--the next big thing.

This little voice inside my head doesn't stick around very long, because if I've learned anything over the past 6 years, it's that God carries me through the tough times, He always provides, and that things like this drive me like a desperate, crazy woman to the feet of Jesus. There's simply nowhere else to go. It's a good place for me to be. I'm learning that all of these struggles are just a special invitation from Him. It's like He's saying to me, "Come and know Me better."

My pastor read this verse from the book of Ruth last week in church and then again tonight...

"And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." --Ruth 2:16

We've been studying the book of Ruth and how this story paints a picture of a greater story; one in which Jesus redeems us, His bride. When I heard this verse read aloud last week, it stuck with me all week long. And then again, tonight, I thought about how much Boaz loved Ruth and how he didn't want her to glean from the left-overs on the side of the road, but from the best. Handfuls of purpose. His men were to drop handfuls of the good stuff on purpose.

This comforts me, and I'm choosing to believe that even in the hard times my Redeemer is dropping handfuls of purpose for me to glean. These will no doubt sustain me through times of uncertainty. But here's the strange thing--these hard things have purpose, too. Jesus wants me to glean from these, as well; not just from His blessings and provisions. In these handfuls, He provides for me something I can't glean in the good times.


11 comments:

Andi Mae said...

It has been a rough week over here. And I keep on replaying our conversations on your cozy couch last week about trusting the Lord and asking Him for help. Giving up control and letting Him be Lord of my life, of my home. I needed to hear these words again, sweet friend. Just as much as you needed to write them for yourself. Thank you for always being a constant source of encouragement to me. For always pointing everything back to Christ and His goodness and grace. You are a TREASURE, Jenny! And I love and miss you so much!
xo

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Tears this morning on my cheeks... your words of truth, what my stretched soul needed this day. Thank you. Handfuls of purpose... I can't imagine a more tender love.

Praising God for the comfort of His truth, and lifting up your sweet family today.

O taste and see that the Lord is good...

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Oh my goodness. This is beautiful. I actually have tears.

Sorry about your husband losing his job and I know... your family has walked quite the road over the past several years.

Lots of going not knowing.

I love and have never heard that verse explained that way.

I'm going to be dwelling on that - today, for sure. thanks for sharing.

Praying your reap a harvest in due time.
~Bevy

gramma said...

AMEN!

Angie said...

What a beautiful post! i will be praying for you and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you!

Jeremy and Amy said...

Oh, dear friend. I am so sorry. Praying for you all, and excited to see how our great God will provide for you, just as He has for us over the last months! I know He has wonderful things in store for you!

Monica Porter said...

Such a blessed revelation. My heart resonates with others' comments too. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing, dear friend. I am SO glad for God placing you and your sweet family in our life. I think it was a little handful of some of that purpose He had here :') Love you!

Bernadette said...

I love how Jesus speaks to you, Jenny. I've always loved the story of Ruth & Boaz. "Handfuls of purpose" is something new that I'd never seen and your insight into it's purpose for you in this trying time is so true. Jesus is always providing what we need in everything. Love you, sweet sister and I too shall be praying for you all as you await His perfect provision.

emyann said...

"handsful of purpose" thank you chissa for the perspective. I needed to read this tonight.

The Crazy Hours said...

Thanks, Jen. I needed to hear that. I'm going to start looking for "handfuls of purpose" here, too. Praying for you as you look toward the future. I'm so thankful God is completely good all the time!

Anonymous said...

I've never thought of this part of Ruth before. It brings situations a deeper understanding for me, even now. Thank you for sharing this, I will be medatating on how I can glean from God.