How can we trust God's timing in our own family and life plans? Setting the Scene from One Quiet Verse “Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed.” (Ruth 4:21) Why God’s Clock Matters Here • Two short phrases cover decades of real life—courtships, disappointments, relocations, and waiting rooms we never read about. • Each name points to an unlikely story: – Salmon married Rahab, a former Canaanite prostitute rescued from Jericho (Joshua 6) – Boaz waited until later in life to marry Ruth, a widowed Moabite outsider (Ruth 2–4) • God knit those unlikely moments into the lineage that would bring David (Ruth 4:22) and, centuries later, Jesus (Matthew 1:5–6, 16). Tracing God’s Faithfulness through Generations • Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac (Genesis 21:1–2). • Joseph waited 13 years from pit to palace (Genesis 37–41). • Israel waited 400 years for deliverance (Exodus 12:40–41). • The world waited millennia for Messiah—“When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4). Each delay proved to be perfect placement in God’s schedule. Principles for Trusting God’s Timing Today 1. God plans by generations, not just by days. Ruth 4:21 reminds us He sees family lines, not isolated episodes. 2. His timing always serves a redemptive purpose (Romans 8:28). 3. Apparent pauses prepare people and circumstances (James 1:3–4). 4. What seems late to us is right on time to Him—“My times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:15). 5. Obedience now positions us for blessing later (Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 3:5–6). Practical Steps for Families in the Waiting • Rehearse His past faithfulness: keep a written list of answered prayers. • Anchor conversations in Scripture, not speculation—read Ecclesiastes 3:1 together. • Celebrate small providences: every open and closed door is guidance (Revelation 3:7). • Guard against grumbling; replace it with gratitude (Philippians 2:14–15). • Stay diligent in present duties—Boaz kept harvesting, Ruth kept gleaning. Verses to Hold When the Clock Feels Slow • Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” • Isaiah 55:8–9 “My thoughts are not your thoughts… My ways are higher.” • 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.” • Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Encouragement for the Waiting Season If God can weave Rahab, Ruth, Boaz, and Obed into the royal line that led to Jesus, He can certainly weave today’s uncertainties into tomorrow’s testimonies. Stay faithful in the field you’ve been given, because the next line in your family’s story may be nearer than you think—and it will arrive right on schedule. |
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