In the book of Ruth we read, “It just so happened…” (2:3) As we progress through the story we realise that this seemingly insignificant “just so happened” moment changes, not only the life of Ruth and her mother-in-law, but it alters the course of human history.

With God there are never any “just so happened’s”. Many things might look like coincidence, seem like happenstance, appear to be the result of circumstance - but they are actually God’s providence. He positions us for purpose in the right places without us even realising it. He brings significant people across our path who move us towards our destiny. He sets up seemingly ‘random’ events that alter the course of our lives.

Ruth’s loyalty, humility and hard work perfectly positioned her to experience God’s perfect providence and attract His abundant provision. We can’t force the “just so happend” moments in our own lives - but we can posture our hearts in a way that gets God’s attention and attracts His favor. Humility is an invitation to His intervention.

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Ruth 2:3-6,11-12

“So Ruth went out to the fields and walked behind the workers, picking up the heads of grain which they left. It just so happened that she was in a field that belonged to Boaz. Some time later Boaz himself arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the workers. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” they answered. Boaz asked the man in charge, “Who is that young woman?” The man answered, “She is the foreigner who came back from Moab with Naomi. Boaz answered, “I have heard about everything that you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband died. I know how you left your father and mother and your own country and how you came to live among a people you had never known before. May the Lord reward you for what you have done. May you have a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, to whom you have come for protection!”

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Matthew 1:1,5-6

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.“

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Proverbs 3:34

“He shows favor to the humble...”

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Proverbs 18:12

“....humility comes before honor.”

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James 4:6

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

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James 4:10

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

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1 Peter 5:6

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”