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The Lord is Not Done Yet: Do the Next Best Thing

Ruth 4:1-12 Speaker: Russ Muse

Review

In the story of Ruth, the characters seem uncertain about how things will turn out. Instead of chasing specific outcomes, they simply do the next best thing, trusting that God is with them. This is different from how we often approach life—wanting formulas and clear answers and trying to predict what God is up to.

Boaz, attentive to detail and full of integrity, responds to Ruth’s appeal by going to the city gate—the place for legal matters—and inviting the man first in line to redeem Naomi’s land and Ruth. That man declines, and Boaz gladly accepts the role of kinsman-redeemer.

The elders witnessing this exchange speak a unique blessing over them:

• That Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah—key figures in Israel’s legacy
• That Boaz would be worthy and renowned—something he’s already modeling
• That their home would be like that of Perez, son of Tamar—another lineage reference
  

But the historic names aren’t from perfect stories—they’re messy, marked by rivalry, scandal, and grief. Why include them in a blessing? And why pray for fruitfulness when Ruth had been childless for a decade?

Because God’s story includes the broken pieces. He brings redemption out of the mess. The past doesn’t disqualify His plans. He is always working—even when we can’t see it.

So instead of needing every outcome defined, we are invited to trust God by doing the next best thing. He’s still writing the story—and we’re part of it.

Reminder
Life may be messy, but God’s not limited, impeded, hampered or constrained.  Do the next best thing—and trust Him with the outcome.

Reflect 

Where in my life am I waiting for clarity before acting?
Lord, help me trust You enough to take the next best step, even when I can’t see the whole path.

Are there parts of my story I’ve believed disqualify me from God’s plans?
God, show me how You are redeeming even the messy parts of my past.

How can I reflect Boaz’s integrity or Ruth’s courage in my own circumstances?

Jesus, give me the strength to respond with faith, character, and compassion today.

Respond 

Identify one area of your life where you’ve been stuck waiting for the “perfect plan,” and take one small, faithful step forward—trusting God with the outcome.

It could be reaching out to someone, finishing a task you’ve delayed, or simply praying, “God, I trust You” as you act.

Read
Review: Ruth 4:1-12  
Read ahead: Ruth 4:13-22