In what ways can we encourage others to trust in God's protection? Anchoring Our Confidence in God’s Wings Ruth 2:12: “May the LORD repay your work, and may you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.” Boaz points Ruth to a vivid, literal picture: God shelters His people like a bird spreading protective wings. The image communicates warmth, safety, and strength—all rooted in God’s unchanging nature. Ways We Can Encourage Others to Trust His Protection - Point them to God’s character, not circumstances - Psalm 36:7—“How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!” - Emphasize that protection flows from who God is: loving, faithful, and sovereign. - Share stories of His proven faithfulness - Personal testimonies and biblical accounts (e.g., Daniel 6, the lion’s den) remind listeners that God literally intervenes for His people. - Revelation 12:11 highlights the power of testimony in overcoming fear. - Highlight the secure promises found in Scripture - Psalm 91:4—“He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” - Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you…” - Encourage memorization so truth is readily available when anxiety surfaces. - Model confident dependence yourself - People notice when we rest, pray, and act without panic. Our composure invites them to do the same (Philippians 4:6-7). - Pray Scripture aloud over them - Speaking verses like Zephaniah 3:17 affirms that God “will quiet you with His love.” - Hearing truth voiced builds faith (Romans 10:17). Examples That Illustrate God’s Shielding Care - Ruth herself: a Moabite widow finds refuge and provision in Bethlehem, ultimately entering Messiah’s lineage. - Elijah in 1 Kings 17: protected and fed during drought. - The disciples in a storm (Mark 4:35-41): Jesus physically calms the sea, proving His authority over danger. Practical Steps to Speak Courage 1. Listen first—acknowledge fears without minimizing them. 2. Open Scripture together—read Ruth 2:12 aloud and discuss what “wings” convey. 3. Replace “what-ifs” with “even-ifs”—God’s protection stands even if outcomes differ from expectations (Daniel 3:17-18). 4. Send timely reminders—texts or notes with specific verses. 5. Worship together—singing truths like Psalm 46:1 cements confidence in the Protector. Living Out the Promise Together We strengthen trust by walking side-by-side: sharing meals, serving, and standing in prayer. As we consistently point one another to the literal, unfailing shelter of the Lord, hearts learn to rest “under whose wings we have taken refuge,” just as Ruth did—and just as we can today. |
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