“Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your hus- band has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.””
— Ruth 2:11–12

If you know the biblical story of Ruth, you know she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, into an unfamiliar land, where she ultimately fulfilled her destiny in the Lord. Not only did Ruth marry a wealthy landowner named Boaz, but she also gave birth to Obed, who became the grandfather of David, Israel’s great king. Ruth’s decision to leave everything she had known to embrace the God and people of Israel was so remark- able that she became one of only five women mentioned in Matthew’s account of the genealogy of Jesus.

But do you know what? You and I are doing the same thing. We are venturing out in life to follow the pur- poseful leading of the Ruach HaKodesh to fulfill our destiny in Him. And as we follow the Spirit of God, He will lead us into unfamiliar places and call us to take risks in faith, even as Ruth took a risk by leaving her people and joining herself to the nation of Israel.

Boaz took note of Ruth’s courage and said, “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” I believe the Lord is speaking the same words to us today. As we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives and seek refuge under His covering, we too will be rewarded.

So, beloved, let’s take a lesson from Ruth and follow the leading of the Spirit of Elohim. As we do, we will be rewarded, and God will manifest His covering over us.

Father God, thank You for leading me by Your Ruach HaKodesh to fulfill my destiny in You. And thank You for being a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. Even as I go into unfamiliar territory, I will not fear, because You are with me. I trust You, Lord. Help me to yield fully to You and to find refuge under Your covering, as Ruth did.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Revelation (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2020), Used by permission.